I’m referring to those with cognitive and developmental disabilities, many of whom still have a medical diagnosis of “mental retardation”. “Retard” is an epithet that comes directly from hate speech against those folks.

And it’s unfair. My wife and I both have worked with that population. She taught her students Shakespeare. And lest you think they didn’t learn - they clearly understood the material and discussed it intelligently.

They might learn many things more slowly than the rest of us humans, but the absolutely learn.

And they absolutely know the “R” word, and know it means them.

So when you use it, you are causing harm to innocents who do not deserve the hatred.

That’s why I humbly request you consider different word choice.

Please don’t play coy and pretend to misunderstand.