February 2026: 

The MLO Minute: “We Condemn Any Use of The R-Word” 

By Dennis McAndrews, Esq., Founder and Managing Partner Emeritus, and Caitlin McAndrews, Esq., Senior Partner Delaware/D.C. Metro — 

There is simply no place for the R-word in civilized society. Federal law has removed it from our statues and regulations. Yet a regrettable resurgence of the sad use of this term has occurred, even by highly placed public officials. The ARC of Pennsylvania, a leading advocacy group on behalf of persons with intellectual disabilities, recently responded to this deeply troublesome development:

 

“The R-word hurts. It is not just a word; it is a slur. It is not just a joke; it is dehumanizing. Replace the R-word with something better and respectful. The R-word has a painful history. What started as a medical term quickly became a cruel insult. It is rooted in discrimination. It has been used to deny people basic dignity and rights. Words shape how we treat people. Using the R-word reduces disabilities to something negative and laughable. Using the R-word reinforces harmful stereotypes. Using the R-word sends the message that people with disabilities don’t matter. The R-word is making a comeback, and that is not okay. It is showing up in conversations, politics, online, and even in pop culture. People with disabilities have made it clear that this word is unacceptable.

 

Think about the words you use and their impact. If you hear the R-word, let others know why it is harmful. Educate yourself about disability language and culture.”

 

It has been reported in multiple media sources that in late December, Harmeet K. Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General overseeing the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, used the R-word to disparage persons who disagree with her policies, and also referred to them as “hoes.” Incredibly, her professional responsibilities include protecting the rights of people with intellectual disabilities by ensuring compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

 

Advocacy groups, including the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), condemned her unfathomable use of this slur, finding it particularly alarming that the highest official responsible for enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) would use such a term. The NDSC stated the word is “disrespectful and dehumanizing” and urged public officials to stop using it. Sadly, recent media reports have collected numerous other public personalities and public officials who have unapologetically used this slur. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/14/r-word-trump-rogan-musk/87720013007/ .

 

Our firm advocates every day for persons with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual disabilities. We are alarmed and deeply dismayed by the increased use of such a demeaning term and we hope that prominent public figures and those who are charged with the protection of persons with disabilities will immediately stop using it at any time.