Teacher Shows Support For Kid Bullied For Wearing Pink To School

William Gierke is in the fourth grade and recently experienced bullying in school. He proudly wore a pink shirt to school. The shirt, with the slogan “Tough Guys Wear Pink” is designed to raise breast cancer awareness. Little William was proud to wear the shirt and was taken by surprise when his classmates began bullying and name-calling, calling him a “sissy”, all because he wore a pink shirt and told the other kids that he liked the color. William came home in tears and was so upset by the incident that he didn’t want to go back to school.

William’s mother encouraged him to be strong and go back to school. The next day when he walked into his classroom his teacher, David Winter, had a surprise for William. He was wearing a pink shirt and wore pink shirts to teach every day that week. He showed solidarity with his young student and showed him how to stand up to the bullies in a peaceful way. Above all, he wanted William to feel safe at school. Mr. Winters’ strategy worked and William no longer fears to go to school.

“I feel more comfortable,” William said. “I don’t let it bother me anymore.

According to stopbullying.gov, between 1 in 3 and 1 in 4 students reported that they have experienced bullying at school. More than half of students have witnessed bullying, even if they weren’t involved. Though it may seem that bullying is more prevalent these days, research shows that bullying rates may actually be falling.

We are more aware of bullying, so it seems to be happening more, but that awareness is actually helping, at least somewhat, to help the problem. Bullying has long-term consequences and can even lead to suicide. Let’s all do our part, like Mr. Winters, to help solve the problem.

Watch the video below and help give Mr. Winters and William some recognition. Please like and share!


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