It was a day of solidarity at Southport Middle School Thursday. Students and staff wore white t-shirts in an effort to take a stand against bullying.
It was all part of a nationwide effort called the Million T-Shirt March, to raise awareness against bullying and break a world record in the process.
"I think it is really cool because when you are going down the hall, all you saw were white shirts everywhere," said 7th-grader Dylan Puckett. "It is really cool to see everyone wearing the same shirt."
Puckett was one of the 1,200 students and staff who donned the white t-shirts. The hope is the increased awareness will put an end to the epidemic.
The lasting effect of bullying has been heartbreaking. Students Billy Lucas of Greensburg and Tori Swoape of Bloomington took their own lives, a direct result of being picked on repeatedly. IPS student Dynasty Young took matters into his own hands by bringing a stun-gun to school to protect himself.
"We should have protected our children," said Young.
Puckett said he has been a victim too.
"Yeah, I have been bullied. Last year I got bullied," said Puckett.
He said it was a painful experience.
"It made me really angry inside that nobody would bother helping," said Puckett.
Puckett hopes the shirts of solidarity will let victims know they are not alone.
"It makes them feel like somebody has their back," said Puckett. "Everybody is equal. I think it is nice."
