SR0228 LRB095 12200 DRJ 37057 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The use of "retard" (as a noun) or "retarded" as
3 slang to label a person or situation that the speaker considers
4 stupid, unreasonable, foolish, or absurd has become common in
5 our society; and
 
6     WHEREAS, The use of "retard" or "retarded" in such a casual
7 or colloquial way reflects an insensitivity to persons with
8 disabilities; and
 
9     WHEREAS, Such use of "retard" or "retarded", even when done
10 with a laugh or as a joke, can be hurtful, both to persons with
11 disabilities and to their families and friends; and
 
12     WHEREAS, All persons in this State enjoy freedom of speech,
13 but, at the same time, they should consider the effect of the
14 words they use; and
 
15     WHEREAS, Soeren Palumbo, a student at Fremd High School in
16 Palatine, briefly addressed the Illinois Senate on the subject
17 of the casual use of the words "retard" and "retarded"; the
18 address was an abridged version of a longer speech given to his
19 classmates that was a wake-up call for those who
20 all-too-casually use those words in an insensitive way and that
21 also served as a tribute to his younger sister, who is

 

 

SR0228 - 2 - LRB095 12200 DRJ 37057 r

1 developmentally disabled; and
 
2     WHEREAS, Many other persons have also spoken out against
3 this insensitive use of "retard" and "retarded"; therefore, be
4 it
 
5     RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL
6 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Illinoisans not
7 to casually use the words "retard" or "retarded" in an
8 insensitive way that may be hurtful to others.