News

Thousands rally behind 5-year-old bullied at school for wearing nail polish

FRANKLIN, Mass. — Members of the Franklin community and beyond are rallying behind a 5-year-old who was bullied at school for wearing nail polish.

Sam, a happy-go-lucky 5-year-old came home from school visibly upset Monday after his classmates mocked his red nail polish.

"His shoulders were slumped down long drawn face and I said did you have a rough day bud and he just openly balled his eyes out," said Sam's mom.

They told him nail polish is just for girls, but Sam didn't understand.

"I felt really bad because they made fun of me. I said it’s for boys and girls! They just kept on saying it," said Sam.

Sam's parents told him that he has every right to express himself, despite what other people may think.

"You need to hold your head high and be proud of who you are and know that you always have family and friends that will always back you regardless of what you do and what you say and what you wear," said Sam's parents.

In just a matter of days, Sam's story has spread quickly after his dad painted his own nails and posted a photo online.

And now, the picture has been shared thousands of times and people all over the world have reached out encouraging little Sam to be true to himself.

This Friday, dozens of people in Franklin will stand up to bullying by wearing nail polish in support of Sam and National Bullying Prevention Month.