FEBRUARY 26, 2024—School divisions across the province will be celebrating Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 28th this year!
Pink Shirt Day became established after two Nova Scotia students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, took action to turn the tide against bullies who were targeting a male student who wore a pink polo shirt on his first day of school, calling him homophobic slurs, and threatening him. Mr. Shepherd and Mr. Price decided that “enough was enough,” went to a nearby store and bought 50 pink shirts to distribute and wear at school the next day. They then emailed classmates to get them on-board with their cause that they dubbed a “sea of pink.” Not only were the purchased pink shirts worn, but hundreds of students showed up the next day wearing their own pink clothing. This visual shift in the power differential sent a powerful message to the bullies, who discontinued their bullying.
Since that time, this day has become an important one to show solidarity, and to empower individuals to speak out against bullying, homophobia and transphobia. All students and staff have a right to learn, work and interact in a safe, caring and affirming environment, and to be accepted and respected. This right is underscored in our division’s Shared Values: I respect; I belong; I am responsible and I want to know, and is represented in AP 110: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
