Junior special education major Will Jones has noticed a rise in insensitivity and neglect for the real meaning of the word "retarded."

In response, Jones has organized the R-Word Campaign, also known as Spread the Word to End the Word. The event will take place in the lobby of the Reich College of Education Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m.

"The word 'retarded' is used very lightly and very liberally," Jones said. "Technically, that word is a scientific word to describe a disability...but recently it's become not acceptable to use it because it's become very hurtful to families of students with disabilities and those who work with those individuals."

Tuesday's event will feature a raffle and information tables hosted by sponsoring organizations. Students in attendance will have the opportunity to sign a pledge against misusing the "r-word."

The event has gained support from various groups on campus, including Students with Diverse Abilities and Autism Speaks U.

"I think it's great what they're doing with the whole campaign in general, really promoting the truth about individuals with special needs and how they can be affected by how they're perceived and talked about," Autism Speaks U Vice-President Ashley Crowder said.

Representatives from the Watauga County Special Olympics will be present as well. Like Jones, the organization does not condone use of the "r-word."

"It's like the 'n-word,'" Local Coordinator Karen Poteat said. "It's not okay to say."

Still, use of the word is prevalent. Both Jones and Crowder work with children and said they hear the "r-word" frequently.

"I've definitely seen children call themselves the 'r-word,'" Crowder said. "I work with special education and it's thrown around so loosely and people don't really realize the true meaning of it. But when you do refer to these children as 'retarded,' they remember that."

That even special-needs children are accustomed to misuse of the word was motivation enough for Jones, a North Carolina Teaching Fellow.

"When you're working with a child that has a disability and they say something like that - it's just so heartbreaking to hear them say, 'I'm such a retard,'" Jones said. "That's why I'm doing this."

Story: MICHAEL BRAGG, Lifestyles Editor