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.
Say hello to Sam! He’s 5 years old and likes painted nails. After showing up with manicured fingers on Monday & getting made fun of by classmates, his father & brother painted their nails to show Sam it’s OK to express yourself and be YOU 💅🏼 Story at 11 pic.twitter.com/v2Ph6wBkln
— Julie Leonardi (@JulieLeonardiTV) October 24, 2018
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.
Some beautiful, wonderful person made this and apparently everyone is going to paint their nails in Sam's town on Friday.
— Daddy Files (@DaddyFiles) October 23, 2018
I'm...I'm floored. You are all unbelievable!!!! pic.twitter.com/OvMjukbZQN
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.
Cox Media Group
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