As the mother of two special needs daughters, I am outraged that any business would make fun of them and other mentally and physically disabled individuals by calling their business Special Ed's Brewery along with having the slogan, "“ride the short bus to special beer." This is unkind and unacceptable.  Please sign my petition asking Mayor Mark Crews of Galt, California, to insist that the owners, Ed and Cheryl Mason, change the business name and slogan.  

According to the article in the Sacramento Bee, http://www.sacbee.com/food-drink/appetizers/article83721677.html the Masons have another, even more disgusting slogan for their beer:  "'tard tested, 'tard approved."  

Cheryl Mason defends the naming of their establishment by saying it's named after her husband, Ed, and he is "special to me."  In light of the two slogans used to describe the beer, I find her explanation to be disingenuous.  Most people know who rides the "short bus," and they know that "'tard" is short for "retard," and is a slur against mentally disabled individuals.  

If this wasn't intended to viciously malign a certain group of people, then, at the very least, the Masons should be willing to reconsider the use of these slogans.  

For more information please read this:  http://www.ndss.org/About-NDSS/Media-Kit/Letters-of-Response/NDSS-Statement-on-Special-Eds-Brewery

Once you've signed this petition, please consider also calling Mayor Mark Crews at 

Phone: (209) 366-7130 Fax: (209) 366-3373

Or email him directly at  mcrews@ci.galt.ca.us

Thank you.

Debra Gleason