SR0228 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0228 LRB095 12200 DRJ 37057 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The use of "retard" (as a noun) or "retarded" as slang to label a person or situation that the speaker considers stupid, unreasonable, foolish, or absurd has become common in our society; and

WHEREAS, The use of "retard" or "retarded" in such a casual or colloquial way reflects an insensitivity to persons with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Such use of "retard" or "retarded", even when done with a laugh or as a joke, can be hurtful, both to persons with disabilities and to their families and friends; and

WHEREAS, All persons in this State enjoy freedom of speech, but, at the same time, they should consider the effect of the words they use; and

WHEREAS, Soeren Palumbo, a student at Fremd High School in Palatine, briefly addressed the Illinois Senate on the subject of the casual use of the words "retard" and "retarded"; the address was an abridged version of a longer speech given to his classmates that was a wake-up call for those who all-too-casually use those words in an insensitive way and that also served as a tribute to his younger sister, who is developmentally disabled; and

WHEREAS, Many other persons have also spoken out against this insensitive use of "retard" and "retarded"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Illinoisans not to casually use the words "retard" or "retarded" in an insensitive way that may be hurtful to others.