OPSEU/SEFPO invites you to wear pink on February 22 to stand up against bullying.
Why pink?
It all started in 2007 when David Sheppard and Travis Price, two grade 12 students from Nova Scotia, heard a grade 9 student had been teased by a group of bullies for simply wearing a pink polo shirt on the very first day of school. As elder students, David and Travis decided they had to take a stand – by making pink the fashion.
The very next day, through word of mouth and social media, they organized a school-wide action and nearly the entire student population showed up to school wearing pink. The message was clear – bullying has no place here, and it wasn’t too long before their actions inspired a global movement.
OPSEU/SEFPO proudly represents frontline education workers who are supporting students on the ground, and in navigating the painful and psychologically traumatizing experience of bullying, through their compassion and kindness.
Unfortunately, bullying can take many forms and can occur anywhere. Through psychological, verbal and physical abuse, and in schools, workplaces, homes, and on the internet. Social media is becoming an ever more common ground for bullying as it removes physical or personal barriers, making it easier for bullies to target with limited repercussions.
On Pink Shirt Day, we wear pink as a symbol of understanding. Let’s take a page from David and Travis’ book and speak up or reach out to victims when we witness bullying to let them know they are not alone.