A Fort Collins Student Continues to Work on Erasing the ‘R’ Word

March has been a big month for a Fossil Ridge student. All eyes have been on Connor Kelly.

Connor created awareness earlier this month when he set out to remove the word "Retard" from our everyday vocabulary. In an article in the Denver Post Connor says:

"It's hurtful for people with disabilities, and it's almost as bad for family members and that person's friends"

Connor visited almost every middle school in the Poudre school district and asked student to pledge not to use the word "Retard". According to the article, Connor's friend; Keenan O'Reilly did the same at Fossil Ridge high school and about 2000 students signed off on a banner asking the student body  to "spread the word to end the word"

Some say that the campaign infringes on the first Amendment, but Connor believes that there is more positive change since he has brought the issue up.

Connor's campaign continues and he plans on promoting his idea further with a junior/senior flag football game in May.

This story about Connor Kelly, who was born with Sotos Syndrome,  really hit me in a good place. My Ashley, a 17 year old at Rocky Mountain High, has been telling her family and friends this for years. Admittedly, it is one of those words that seem to slip out from time to time in conversation around me and it is offensive.  Ashley is a peer helper in school and assistant these incredible students everyday. She even attends extra curricular events with them so that they may also participate in normal high school activities. Our family stands behind Connor, won't you?