2015-0274
Title
Proclamation: “Art of Respect Day”
Body
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. However, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing, and exclusive effects of the words "retard" and "retarded"; and,
WHEREAS, it is time to address the slur "retard(ed)" and raise the consciousness of society to its hurtful effects; and,
WHEREAS, the Art of Respect Program is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and their supporters South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority, Terrebonne ARC, Assumption ARC, St. Charles ARC, St. Mary ARC (The Center), Lafourche ARC, Special Education District #1 (The Center), St. John ARC, and St. James ARC to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word "retard(ed)" and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word; and,
WHEREAS, the campaign, created by youth and adults with and without developmental disabilities, is intended to engage schools, organizations, and communities to reflect on what the words “acceptance”, “inclusion”, “unity”, “friendship”, and “respect” mean to them and to pledge their support at the event and at www.r-word.org <http://www.r-word.org/>; and,
WHEREAS, during the month of September, 2015, the ART of Respect awareness events will be devoted to educating and raising awareness of the positive impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have in our communities and why the use of the R-word is hurtful, even in casual conversation; and,
WHEREAS, this year’s theme for the Art of Respect event is “Superheroes are Different! Our Differences are our Superpower!” which emphasizes that even a superhero has to compensate for the differences he/she may have in everyday life through an alter ego and gives individuals the opportunity to create art projects that will help the general public understand and celebrate these differences.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 AS
“ART OF RESPECT DAY”
IN ST. CHARLES PARISH AND ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS TO PLEDGE TO STOP USING THE R-WORD, CELEBRATE INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES, AND HELP TO MAKE ST. CHARLES PARISH AND THE REST OF THE WORLD A MORE ACCEPTING PLACE FOR ALL PEOPLE.
V.J. ST. PIERRE, JR. CAROLYN K. SCHEXNAYDRE
PARISH PRESIDENT COUNCILWOMAN AT LARGE, DIV. A
JARVIS LEWIS PAUL J. HOGAN, PE
COUNCILMAN AT LARGE, DIV. B COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT IV
TERRELL D. WILSON LARRY COCHRAN
COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT I COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT V
WILLIAM BILLY WOODRUFF TRACI A. FLETCHER
COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT II COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT VI
WENDY BENEDETTO JULIA FISHER-PERRIER
COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT III COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT VII
ART of Respect Day 2015.pcl