Legislator Murphy Offended by Derogatory Remark by Elected Official

New City, NY (May 1, 2014) – Rockland County Legislator John Murphy expressed his disappointment to learn that a local elected official used the offensive term "retarded" to describe a colleague during a heated discussion at a recent public meeting.

Legislator Murphy stated, "The use of this word is inappropriate and undermines efforts to destigmatize and bring dignity to persons with intellectual disabilities. I am incredibly offended and disappointed by the use of the word by an elected official and I call for a public apology."

"We have eliminated scores of derisive, unacceptable and hurtful words from our vocabulary that demean ethnicity and religion or that categorize people in an offensive manner," added Murphy. "We must all be sensitive to words that assault the dignity of others.  No one may be excused."