Pink Shirt Day was an idea that started out of an act of kindness. On a day in 2007, a student at a school in Nova Scotia wore a pink shirt  to school one day and was bullied and faced acts of homophobic discrimination. Two older students saw an opportunity to do something. They pulled together and bought a bunch of pink shirts. They posted the story on their social media outlets and encouraged students in their school to wear pink shirts the next day. They wanted to make a statement of solidarity and togetherness against the bullies. They wanted to show this one student that they belonged and were supported. The next day, they had over 800 students in their school all wearing pink shirts. The two students gave out pink shirts to those who did not have one.

We wear pink shirts on February 23rd to make a statement of solidarity: we stand together against bullying and harassment. We stand with community to make a bold statement in celebration of our differences. We recognise this topic is an ongoing concern at schools, and we hope these shirts open conversations with students, staff, and community. Why is this shirt pink? This shirt is PINK is a statement that we stand in solidarity, we stand in strength, we stand together against bullying and harassment. We belong. Our traditional teachings speak to helping those who may need support and giving generously when a need is presented to us. We stand together in our teachings! Our differences are what makes us a strong community.

How can you be a leader on Pink Shirt Day? How can you extend the teachings of solidarity and community beyond February 23rd? How do you stand up to bullies when you witness it happening? How will you lead in your school? How will you practice kindness toward others?

Concrete actions:

Supports for Youth

Supports for Parents & Teachers

Need to talk to someone?

SD8 Kootenay Lake Policies relating to bullying and harassment:

Policy 330 – SOGI

Policy 570 – Prevention of Violence in the Workplace

Policy 580 – Respectful Workplace