In a February 5 letter to Rush Limbaugh, Tim Shriver, chairman and CEO of the Special Olympics, wrote that he “incredulously listened to the segment in your show in which you repeatedly and offensively used the term 'retard' in reference to our meeting with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.”

Media Matters for America documented Limbaugh's use of the term on his February 3 show. While discussing Sarah Palin's call for Emanuel's resignation for using the term, Limbaugh stated, “Our political correct society is acting like some giant insult's taken place by calling a bunch of people who are retards, retards.” The next day, Limbaugh claimed that he used the word “retard” only in “quoting Emanuel.”

In his letter, Shriver wrote, “Our message is as simple as it is powerful: people with intellectual disabilities are human beings. Gaining social recognition of that humanity continues to be an elusive goal for them and for those who love and care about them. For centuries, they have borne the stigma of institutionalization, sterilization, social isolation, and bigotry. The names associated with them -- such as 'retarded' and 'retard' -- have for too long been used as cruel taunts.”

Shiver further called on Limbaugh to join Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne by “ending your use of this term and by further using your great influence and position to help others do the same.”