Kids at school were getting bullied because of their dirty clothes — principal's response stunned the internet

The man noticed that the kids were not coming to school and was surprised to learn the reason behind it.

PUBLISHED JUL 1, 2025

(L) The principal standing at the gate to welcome students. (R) The principal talking to an interviewer. Representative Cover Image Source: YouTube | CBS Mornings

Some people go above and beyond to ensure that their community's basic needs are met. A principal did just that when he realized why his students were not coming to school. The man, Akbar Cook, came to know that some kids weren't coming to school because they were being bullied for their dirty clothes. When he found out the reason behind the challenge, he decided to put forth a special provision for the kids he referred to as his "babies," per CBS Mornings.

A principal talking to a kid while walking in a corridor. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Kali9

"My kids weren't coming to school. I think we really put the microscope on the basic needs of kids," Cook shared. "Everyone wants high test scores, everyone wants them to perform well, but if the kid doesn't feel confident in just coming to school, in being that person we know they can be, then what are we doing? Fight for that baby the way you want them to fight on that test." He realized that many kids didn't have clean clothes to wear to school, so he decided to open a laundry room at school, which is referred to as the "big room." The room was full of laundry detergents, fabric softeners and more. It had been made with the help of community service and donations. The school also had five washers and dryers.

A kid washing clothes in a laundry machine. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Huizeng Hu

Students could use that service all the time without any hesitation. The principal also started a program called "Lights On" at his school. He opened his school from 6 to 11 PM on Fridays during the school year and three nights a week during the summer. Cook shared that during these hours on a regular day, most of his kids are taking care of their younger siblings as their parents are out there working, or they are doing odd jobs themselves. The students at the West Side High could use the gym to dance and get warm meals through the "Lights On" program. "It is a lot of work. I have to go undefeated because if I lose, I could lose a lot of kids' lives," the principal went on.

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"I am not a genius. My babies come in with an obstacle, and I try to help them navigate it," Cook expressed. "It is the selfless work we do. Nobody gets into education thinking that they are going to be rich." Cook's efforts have helped the school, as well as the entire neighborhood. "I have a gold medal around my heart from the love that my kids could get back to me." The principal used to stay at the school most of the time to make sure that he could be there to help the students. People shared their thoughts on the principal's work in the comments section of the video.

@motorcity313 wrote, "Just saw a story on him last night. He opens up his school on Friday nights until 11 so his babies may have somewhere safe to hang out. Feeds them and has games and activities for them. Amazing leader." @craftygal4494 commented, "A good principal and vice principal can make all the difference in the success of a school. They lead by example and set the tone for the entire faculty and student body. They would expect no less." @rew2123 remarked, "The fact that he continues to refer to them as 'my babies' is so beautiful. Every parent wants to send their child to school where they know there are people there who believe in them."