Local school takes a stand against the “R” word in annual assembly

Desert View Elementary School is taking a stand against using the “R” word as they held their annual campaign where students vow to not use the word on campus and in their daily lives.

Desert View Elementary School principal, Meredith Nelson, said that 11 percent of her students have special needs. By starting this campaign, her goal was to make sure every student feels right at home and isn’t hurt by the “R” word.

During an assembly, Monday, more than 700 students took part in the vow to not say the “R” word. Students held signs that read “Choice Means Hope” and “Spread the Word Inclusion.”

“I truly believe all of my students are special. All of my students are important and all of them make a difference in our building,” said Nelson.

Nelson is planning to expand and collaborate with other schools in Yuma County, even at the college level.

The campaign has been going on for six years and Nelson said this is to make sure that this topic is a priority for everyone involved.