Grade 7 students in Mr. Martinez’s math and religion class are a little closer now. The students – who all attend the Spanish program at St. Kevin Junior High – have revealed their personal stories, sharing with each other what makes them different.

“There are so many kids here who just need to know that they are accepted, that they are OK, they are loved,” teacher Rafael Martinez said.

In October, Martinez dyed T-shirts in his bathtub and brought them to school. He encouraged his students to write the hurtful names they’ve been called on the front of the pink shirts. On the back they penned the phrase “born this way.”

The anti-bulling lesson went far beyond Martinez’s expectations. The students stood before each other, some opened up about their intimate struggles.

What impact does bullying have on opportunities to participate?

Slugoski, K. (February 22, 2016). Junior high students create own pink t-shirts to help stop bullying.