This Principal Shaved His Head to Support Bullied Student, Shows Us What Solidarity Is – Kveller
Skip to Content Skip to Footer

bullying

This Principal Shaved His Head to Support Bullied Student, Shows Us What Solidarity Is

Bullying is never OK, which is why one principal made a big statement to the kids who bullied a 6th grade boy at the school he works at, Pekin Middle School in Packwood, Iowa. 11-year-old Jackson Johnston shaved his head in support of his grandfather who has cancer, which is a supremely kind thing for anyone to do, let alone an 11-year-old. Sadly, this is why some of his classmates bulled him.

As a way to teach the student body that bullying is not acceptable, principal Tim Hadley held a special assembly this past Tuesday. This is when he asked Jackson to shave his own head, as a way to show solidarity. Watch the video below to see:

Hadly told KCCI why he chose to discipline the bullies this way:

“We can handle this a couple different ways. We can bring in the kids responsible, we can pull out the handbook and swat them with it, or we can choose to make this a life lesson.”

In the clip, Hadly said:

“I heard that a couple people in this room made some comments to [Jackson], maybe kind of poking fun at him cause it looks a little different. That doesn’t sit right with me. The lesson here is this: If you truly believe in something, stand up for it even if it’s different.”

After the event, Hadly mentioned that Jackson received apologies afterwards, which illustrates that open communication makes a huge difference–and sometimes more of a difference than the typical punishment kids receive. How can kids learn if they’re never really given the chance? Hadly explained:

“Some of the kids who said something Monday found out that it upset Jackson through this event and apologized. I never addressed any of them individually, they chose to apologize.”

Hadley told The Huffington Post that other students also shaved their heads in support after the assembly:

“It has opened up a huge line of communication with students sharing their own struggles and life battles. To be honest, I am a bit overwhelmed. It has been truly humbling to see how many people this simple act has impacted.”

Well said.


Read More:

4 Things You Should Do When Your Friend Loses a Spouse

Sheryl Sandberg Admits She Got It Wrong with ‘Lean In’

My Jewishness Is Not Defined by My Faith in God, But This Instead


Skip to Banner / Top Skip to Content