KEARNEY — In recognition of National Bully Prevention Month this October, Kenwood Elementary is joining the effort to foster kindness and inclusivity with its first Pink Shirt Day, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.
Pink Shirt Day is an international movement that encourages students, staff, and community members to wear pink as a symbol of unity against bullying. This initiative began in Canada and has since spread globally, promoting the message that everyone can make a difference by standing up for kindness and respect.
How Did Pink Shirt Day Start?
The origins of Pink Shirt Day date back to Berwick, Nova Scotia, where a ninth-grade student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt on his first day of school. Travis Price and David Shepherd, two fellow students, witnessed the bullying and decided to take action. They purchased 50 pink shirts and, with the help of their friends, distributed them to classmates the next day as a “pink protest” against bullying.
The bullied student was relieved to see the overwhelming support, and the bullying stopped. The simple act of kindness from Travis and David had a ripple effect, leading several Canadian provinces to adopt official anti-bullying days. Eventually, the United Nations declared May 4 as International Anti-Bullying Day, with Pink Shirt Day now recognized across Canada and other parts of the world.
“Wearing a pink shirt reminds us to be kind and stand up for each other. It shows that anyone can make a difference, and our staff and students are excited to bring that spirit to Kenwood Elementary,” said Michelle Dutcher, Kenwood Principal.
Kenwood Elementary’s Commitment to Bully Prevention
Throughout October, Kenwood Elementary classrooms will participate in discussions and activities aimed at preventing bullying and promoting empathy. The culmination of these efforts will be Pink Shirt Day, where students, staff, and community members will wear pink as a visible statement against bullying and in support of creating a positive school environment.
Allison Birdwell, Kenwood Elementary Counselor, added, “Pink Shirt Day gives us a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of kindness, inclusion, and courage. It shows our students that standing up for what is right, even in small ways, can make a huge difference in someone’s life. We want to empower our kids to be upstanders, not bystanders.”
Everyone is encouraged to wear pink and help spread the message that “Bullying Stops Here.”
