Demand: Best Buddies and Special Olympics Must Publicly Disavow RFK Jr.’s Harmful Rhetoric
The Issue
Introduction:
We, the undersigned, are autistic and disabled people, family members, allies, educators, and advocates who believe that the dignity and safety of disabled people is non-negotiable.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statements regarding autism, framing neurodivergent people as lesser, damaged, or victims of poisoning, are dangerous, ableist, and rooted in long histories of eugenics. These beliefs have no place in public discourse and are a direct threat to disabled lives and liberation.
Why This Matters:
Organizations like Best Buddies International and Special Olympics have long been seen as champions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their missions emphasize inclusion, dignity, and empowerment, but that legacy is inseparable from the Kennedy family, whose members founded and have long led both organizations.
Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of Rosemary Kennedy, whose life was permanently altered by a forced lobotomy, an act of institutional violence justified by ableism. Best Buddies was founded by Eunice’s son, Anthony Shriver. The Shriver/Kennedy legacy is deeply embedded in the public identity of both organizations.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a member of this same family, and both Best Buddies and Special Olympics have historically endorsed or platformed him at events, including giving him speaking opportunities.
Now, RFK Jr. is using his platform to spread dangerous, dehumanizing misinformation about autistic people and those with intellectual disabilities. His language echoes the very eugenic ideas that caused harm to his own aunt, Rosemary, and to countless others. To remain silent about his rhetoric while continuing to benefit from the prestige of the Kennedy name is an act of complicity.
The recent Autism Awareness Month statement issued by Best Buddies and Special Olympics failed to name RFK Jr., failed to disavow his rhetoric, and failed to take any meaningful action to protect the community they claim to serve. That is not enough.
What We Demand:
- A clear, public statement directly naming Robert Francis Kennedy Jr, and denouncing his dehumanizing and ableist comments.
- An end to any official affiliation, support, or platforming of Robert Francis Kennedy Jr by either organization.
- An apology to the disabled community for the harm caused by past and ongoing associations with Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.
- A public commitment to center disabled voices, especially autistic and intellectually disabled people, in all future policy, programming, and leadership decisions.
Why Now:
The disabled community is watching. Our lives and personhood are not up for debate. Silence, or vague language in the face of eugenics, is complicity. Best Buddies and Special Olympics must choose which side of history they want to be on, and they must do it now.
Sign the Petition:
If you believe that disabled people deserve more than pity and pageantry, if you believe we deserve protection, respect, and truth, add your name.
89
The Issue
Introduction:
We, the undersigned, are autistic and disabled people, family members, allies, educators, and advocates who believe that the dignity and safety of disabled people is non-negotiable.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statements regarding autism, framing neurodivergent people as lesser, damaged, or victims of poisoning, are dangerous, ableist, and rooted in long histories of eugenics. These beliefs have no place in public discourse and are a direct threat to disabled lives and liberation.
Why This Matters:
Organizations like Best Buddies International and Special Olympics have long been seen as champions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their missions emphasize inclusion, dignity, and empowerment, but that legacy is inseparable from the Kennedy family, whose members founded and have long led both organizations.
Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of Rosemary Kennedy, whose life was permanently altered by a forced lobotomy, an act of institutional violence justified by ableism. Best Buddies was founded by Eunice’s son, Anthony Shriver. The Shriver/Kennedy legacy is deeply embedded in the public identity of both organizations.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a member of this same family, and both Best Buddies and Special Olympics have historically endorsed or platformed him at events, including giving him speaking opportunities.
Now, RFK Jr. is using his platform to spread dangerous, dehumanizing misinformation about autistic people and those with intellectual disabilities. His language echoes the very eugenic ideas that caused harm to his own aunt, Rosemary, and to countless others. To remain silent about his rhetoric while continuing to benefit from the prestige of the Kennedy name is an act of complicity.
The recent Autism Awareness Month statement issued by Best Buddies and Special Olympics failed to name RFK Jr., failed to disavow his rhetoric, and failed to take any meaningful action to protect the community they claim to serve. That is not enough.
What We Demand:
- A clear, public statement directly naming Robert Francis Kennedy Jr, and denouncing his dehumanizing and ableist comments.
- An end to any official affiliation, support, or platforming of Robert Francis Kennedy Jr by either organization.
- An apology to the disabled community for the harm caused by past and ongoing associations with Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.
- A public commitment to center disabled voices, especially autistic and intellectually disabled people, in all future policy, programming, and leadership decisions.
Why Now:
The disabled community is watching. Our lives and personhood are not up for debate. Silence, or vague language in the face of eugenics, is complicity. Best Buddies and Special Olympics must choose which side of history they want to be on, and they must do it now.
Sign the Petition:
If you believe that disabled people deserve more than pity and pageantry, if you believe we deserve protection, respect, and truth, add your name.
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on April 23, 2025