Loyalist staff and students tickled pink to raise awareness
BELLEVILLE – Loyalist College staff and students were pretty in pink on Wednesday to raise awareness against bullying and discrimination.
The school joined Canadians everywhere for Pink Shirt Day, a national initiative that works to stop harassment.
As a mental health ambassador at Loyalist, student Maria Clemente helps to organize and run events to help shine a more positive light on mental health.
She said that people need to be aware of what they say and how it affects others.
Clemente explained that the Pink Shirt Day started in Nova Scotia when a high school boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. Two male students wore pink to protest the harassment. The students started handing out pink shirts to make a bigger statement.
Pink Shirt Day is now nationally recognized as Feb 25.
As a part of the college’s annual day, the school welcomed therapy dogs sporting pink sweaters to play with staff and students. It also held a pink mini spa day where students could get their nails done free of charge, and a safe space session for people to talk.
The student government is hosting a pink dance party Thursday night to raise more awareness to the cause.
Loyalist student Paige Jones was one of the students who got her nails done for the cause. She said that along with a few friends she was bullied in elementary school which makes Pink Shirt Day more meaningful to her.
Lina Fuchs is the residence leader for student government. She lives on residence and represents students living at the school.
She talked about why Pink Shirt day means a lot to her.
Fuchs said that why she thinks Pink Shirt Day is important.
Fuchs also said raising awareness is important to create a comfortable environment for students.
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