As the courtyard got flooded with pink shirts, many Bak students thought that it was just for promoting school spirit. And it was, in a way. Today, though, those who came dressed in pink had another reason for their rosy fashion sense.

In 2007, two twelfth grade high school students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, in Nova Scotia, a high school located in Canada, stood up for a ninth grade boy who was getting bullied for wearing a pink T-shirt. 

After this incident, the boys distributed fifty pink shirts to support their peer. Now, this compassionate gesture that started in a Canadian town, has gone viral across the world. Here at Bak, Margot Wilson, seventh grade, communications major explained why she chose to wear pink today.

“I wanted to support everyone who has suffered from getting bullied. I also wanted to make sure to spread awareness and let everyone know that bullying does not mean you’re cool; it’s just plain cruel.” 

This anti-bullying movement enhanced kindness on school campuses around the world, allowing students to feel included. In 2009, New Zealand participated in Pink Shirt day in May, as they raised anti-bullying awareness.

As the morning bell rang, and Bak students and school staff rushed to their classes and offices, it was evident how their school spirit went beyond their pink apparel.