Norton, Moran, Peters Introduce Bill to Remove Offensive “R-word” Slur from the D.C. Code

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today introduced the Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act, which would remove the term “retarded” from Title 11 of the District of Columbia Code and replace it with more appropriate and respectful terminology. Under the D.C. Home Rule Act, only Congress can amend Title 11 of the D.C. Code.

“Words indisputably matter. Certain words can become antiquated and offensive over time, and I am pleased to be joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in modernizing the D.C. Code,” Norton said. “My own daughter, Katherine, has Down syndrome. I’m appalled at the thought of someone using the ‘R-word’ slur toward her, and it is beyond the pale that the derogatory term is still a part of the D.C. Code.”

“Individuals with disabilities deserve to be respected and valued,” said Sen. Moran. “Language that is degrading to individuals with disabilities should be eliminated from our laws and courts. This legislation makes certain the D.C. courts are using language that is both accurate, appropriate and maintains the dignity of all people.” 

“Our words have power, and every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity,” said Sen. Peters. “It’s long past time to remove this derogatory language from D.C. code, so that we can better ensure every individual is treated with compassion and decency.”

The Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act has been endorsed by the National Down Syndrome Society, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) and the Special Olympics.

“The use of harmful language, like the R-word, undermines the dignity and potential of individuals with disabilities,” said National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) President and CEO Kandi Pickard. “NDSS applauds Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Senator Moran, and Senator Peters for reintroducing the Words Matter for the D.C. Courts Act, which will remove and replace the R-word with inclusive language in the D.C. court system. The language our government and its leaders use is incredibly important in shaping public perceptions. I support this legislation which reaffirms that our loved ones are valued and respected members of our communities.” 

“We are grateful that Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, our champion and mom to GLOBAL Ambassador and self-advocate Katherine has reintroduced the Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act to finally and forever remove the ‘R’ word from the Washington D.C. municipal code,” said Global Down Syndrome Foundation President & CEO, Michelle Sie Whitten. “We are so pleased to see Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Gary Peters (D-MI) join Congresswoman Norton in this important bipartisan, bicameral effort. GLOBAL urges Congress to expeditiously pass this long overdue legislation, so people with intellectual disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, are treated with the dignity and respect all Americans deserve.”

“NDSC condemns the use of the “R-word” in all contexts, regardless of intention and without exception. It is well past time that our legal codes are updated to remove this derogatory and dehumanizing term, and we commend Del. Holmes Norton for her leadership on this issue,” said Jim Hudson, NDSC Executive Director.

Norton's introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

on the Introduction of the Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

February 5, 2025

Today, I introduce the Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act, which would remove the term “retarded” from Title 11 of the District of Columbia Code and replace it with more appropriate and respectful terms.  Last Congress, the Senate passed this bill by unanimous consent.  Senators Jerry Moran and Gary Peters are introducing the companion bill.

Removing the term from the law has bipartisan support. In 2010, Congress removed several instances of the term from federal law by passing Rosa’s Law (P.L. 111-256). Last Congress, I joined Republican and Democratic colleagues in introducing the Words Matter Act, which would remove several more instances of the term from federal law.

The term is used three times in Title 11 of the D.C. Code, and, under the D.C. Home Rule Act, only Congress can amend Title 11 of the D.C. Code.

There was a time when the term was a clinical term, but in more recent years, it has become a slur used against people with intellectual disabilities.  Words indisputably matter, and I know our country is better than keeping such language in our law.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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