Safety pins for safer environments

Seniors+Josiah+Haugen+%28left%29+and+Claire+McDonald+%28right%29+wearing+their+safety+pins.+Photos+by+Myah+Philips.

Seniors Josiah Haugen (left) and Claire McDonald (right) wearing their safety pins. Photos by Myah Philips.

The safety pin trend originated on Twitter when an anonymous woman — self-dubbed ‘the Guardian’ — encouraged people to don safety pins in solidarity against prejudice.

Even our school is embracing the trend.

Junior Emily Caluya is ecstatic over the concept of the pro-kindness message.

“Our school is very diverse, and I feel like this will really help them feel safe,” Caluya said. “School is supposed to be a place where you can become yourself, and with the safety pins, it’s like we’re inviting people to be happy and enjoy coming to school.”

Junior Emily Caluya.
Junior Emily Caluya.

Freshman Lori Avila agrees with Caluya.

“I hope that they will stick as symbol for safety,” Avila said. “And if it does, then I hope they will help our school for the better.”

Junior Tara Patton is not only excited for what the pins will do for students in schools, but for everyday people.

“They really allow people to show that they love different types of people, regardless of race or gender. Which is really important right now, as we are having problems with racism,” Patton said. “A lot people feel like their opinions aren’t being heard, and that it’s all about white privilege, but I think that the pins can do a lot to change that.”

Junior Tara Patton.
Junior Tara Patton.

Putting the trend into simpler terms, freshman Jaykob Garcia, is optimistic about the impact of the pins.

“I think the pins are a really good idea,” Garcia said. “They’re a way for people to say that they’re not going to hurt anyone and that their going to keep them safe.”

Diversity, safety and security were truly the goals of the trend according to ‘the Guardian.’ 

“If you choose to put the pin on, to me you are pledging to stand up. It can’t just be an empty gesture,” ‘the Guardian’ said. “You are pledging to make a difference.”