It's not something I would personally choose to wear, but if he's not hurting anyone, or really forcing his beliefs down anyone's throats, what then is the harm done?
A Grade 12 student in Nova Scotia was recently suspended from his high school for sporting a t-shirt with the slogan "Life is wasted without Jesus." When his five day suspension is up and he's back to strolling the school's hallways, he says he's wearing the shirt again - no matter the repercussion.
The devout Christian says the t-shirt is an expression of his beliefs, and he won't stop wearing it.
"I believe there are things that are bigger than me. And I think that I need to stand up for the rights of people in this country, and religious rights and freedom of speech," he said in an interview following what happened.
According to the school board superintendent, some students and teachers found the shirt offensive. Looking at it, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, I have seen far worse and it seems this is really just a case of "do as I say, just because I said so," without any real backing at all.
"When one is able or others are able to interpret it as, 'If you don't share my belief then your life is wasted,' that can be interpreted by some as being inappropriate," says the superintendent.
Really? Does she honestly believe fellow students pay that much attention to a little blurb to a t-shirt? I could see if it was something racist or really crude, but he's basically just stating that he believes in God.
Apparently Swinimer wore it every day to his classes for several weeks. The principal told him again and again to stop wearing it, but he refused to comply. I suppose in keeping with school rules and the need to follow authority, there is a reason for the school to take some kind of action, but so much action over such a little thing all just seems kind of silly if you ask me.
Swinimer says the principal WOULD HAVE accepted a shirt with the slogan, "My life is wasted without Jesus." But he says, "I didn't go for that because I have my rights as a Canadian citizen." He also says he never intended to attack anyone else's beliefs.
The board says it's looking for guidance on the matter and hopes to bring in an expert to help mediate the problem. To me it seems like a whole lot of chaos and concern for one little slogan.
