Respect Campaign

RESPECT Starts with You!

We encourage the promotion of RESPECT, inclusion, acceptance and unity for all students—regardless of disability—and encourage an end to hurtful speech and bullying. It’s easy to promote RESPECT at your school and we’re here to help get you started!

Take the Pledge to Respect

Here’s why YOU should promote RESPECT:

• Help your school and local community advocate against bullying and hurtful language
• Raise awareness of the harmful, dehumanizing effects of the R-word
• Participate in the creation of an environment free of stereotypes, where differences are not only accepted—but celebrated
• Give students of all abilities an opportunity to be leaders

What is the R-Word?

The R-word is the word "retard(ed)". Why does it hurt? The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It's offensive. It's derogatory.

Our campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people. Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions. Pledge today to use respectful, people-first language.

Resources for Respect Campaign