Bel Air High School’s Best Buddies have signed the pledge to end the use of the “R” word in support of the, “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign, and are encouraging their fellow Bobcats to join the movement.

The “Spread the Word” campaign is a nationwide organization working to end the use of the word “retarded” in a derogatory manner. The campaign’s main goal is to create more accepting attitudes towards people who suffer from retardation and/or disability and have subsequently been hurt by the use of the word in place of “stupid” or “dumb”.

The Best Buddies are ending the word by selling wristbands in the cafeteria during all lunches for the week of Mar. 10. If the bracelets are popular, the Best Buddies are considering extending the sale. The bracelets are only $1. If you don’t want to buy a bracelet, you can still pledge to stop using the “R” word by signing a banner that is being held in the cafeteria as well.

“It is important that BAHS gets involved because I feel like some people at our school do not realize that the ‘r’ word is disrespectful. Some think it’s just a joke but do not realize that what they’re saying is hurtful to those with intellectual disabilities as well as their friends and family,” said Samantha Sullivan, sophomore and president of Best Buddies.

You can also sign the pledge online at the “Spread the Word” website: www.r-word.org.

Buy a “Spread the Word” bracelet in the cafeteria and sign the pledge to end the “R” word to help make Bel Air High School a more accepting community for all students.