A leadership group at B-A is planning to turn the school pink in an effort to create a more positive environment for marginalized students.

This year the committee is implementing a “Pink Shirt Day” on February 18, to spread awareness about bullying.

“The Bellwood-Antis Middle School culture and climate committee has been working for the past several years to bring more activities and initiatives to the Bellwood-Antis School District to improve both staff and student experiences,” said Mrs. Anna Young, the school social worker and one of the committee’s organizers.

Pink Shirt Day is not a new or a rare idea. According to Mrs. Young, Young, It started in Nova Scotia and has gained recognition in various countries as a way to spread awareness about anti-bullying initiatives and spread a message of inclusivity and kindness.

Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 in Nova Scotia, Canada, after a high school student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school. When two older students saw what was happening, they decided to take action by buying a bunch of pink shirts and handing them out to classmates, encouraging everyone to wear pink the next day in support. Their simple but powerful response shut down the bullying and sent a clear message of solidarity. What started as a small act of kindness quickly spread, and Pink Shirt Day is now recognized around the world as a reminder that standing up for others even in small ways can create real change.

In general, the day is celebrated the last week of February. In Canada, it’s the last Wednesday of the month.

To celebrate the day, students are asked to wear pink shirts, educate others, and engage in activities that foster inclusivity.