(MSC News)--An increased use of the R word is prompting renewed concern from Special Olympics Kansas ahead of this year’s “Spread the Word” Day of Activation, set for Wednesday. 

In a release, Special Olympics Kansas says the annual campaign is dedicated to fostering respect, inclusion, and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities, and that the apparent resurgence of the historically derogatory slur in public and online spaces, underscores the need for continued awareness and advocacy.

The organization cites research from marketing data and analytics firm Kantar, saying nearly 29 million social media posts in the U.S. contained slurs, including the R word. The release also points to bullying concerns worldwide, saying one in three students report being bullied, and notes people with intellectual disabilities can face unequal and often more severe impacts.

Special Olympics Kansas says the effort is resonating, with more than one million online pledges as of November 2025, along with continued engagement from youth leaders and self-advocates.