Faith

‘Jesus’ T-Shirt Student Reportedly Taken Out of School By His Parents

Jesus T Shirt Student Reportedly Taken Out of School By His Parents

Michael Swinimer (left) and his father John (right). (Image Credit: Mike Dembeck/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Last week, The Blaze told you about William Swinimer, a 12-grade student from Nova Scotia, Canada, who was suspended after wearing a t-shirt that reads, “Life is wasted without Jesus.” Following the five-day suspension from Forest Height Community School last week for continuing to wear the article of clothing after being told by staffers not to, the teenager was back at school today — but only briefly.

(Related: Bullied? Canadian Student Suspended for Wearing ‘Life Is Wasted Without Jesus’ T-Shirt)

This time, rather than being given the boot by administrators, William’s father, John, pulled him out of classes. While the teen was supposed to attend a special school-sponsored session for students that centered upon how to express beliefs in a way that is respectful to all, his father said that the school should be teaching only basic courses that do not involve religion.

“He will not attend this school unless they are having reading, writing and arithmetic — good old-fashioned academics,” Swininer said, as he held a copy of the New Testament Bible. “When they’re having forums, when they’re having other extra-curricular activity, he will not attend that school.”

Jesus T Shirt Student Reportedly Taken Out of School By His Parents

Image Credit: SUN News

The Toronto Sun has more, including quotes that seem to indicate that the student will be finishing his final year of high school at a different educational facility:

…[William] arrived on campus early Monday morning with his father, who abruptly pulled him out of the school, saying he doesn’t want anything to do with the talks.

“The taxpayer is paying for him to learn his academics as well as the other students and I am not standing for any of this stuff.”

The Halifax Chronicle-Herald reports John Swinimer stormed across the parking lot, announced he was pulling his son out of school, waved a copy of the New Testament at reporters and refused to answer questions. [...]

When asked by reporters whether Swinimer will come back to the school when the talks are over, John said: “I’m making a statement here, I’m not answering questions.” [...]

“William will no longer be attending this school. He will be furthering his education outside this school,” Varrick Day told QMI Agency.

While the boy’s pastor, Varrick Day, claims that he is the victim of bullying at the hands of school officials, other students allege that the drama started before William began wearing the t-shirt. According to CBC, some said that the student was consistently preaching and making them feel uncomfortable and that the shirt was the final straw.

“He‘s told kids they’ll burn in hell if they don’t confess themselves to Jesus,” claims Riley Gibb-Smith, a student at the school (other students apparently echoed this same sentiment).

These latest events came after the South Shore Regional School Board decided to allow the teen to wear the shirt. But, in knowing that he would be coming to school wearing the garment today (and he did, indeed, wear it), they sent guidance counselors to the school to discuss religious tolerance in voluntary sessions with students.

“Our focus starting today is to work with students to use this as a learning experience,” explained School board superintendent Nancy Pinch-Worthylake. “What we’re focusing on is how we ensure that freedom to express religious beliefs continues, which we have always had and always supported, and talk about how we deal with it when there is not agreement around what that should look like in school.”

Pinch-Worthylake also said that she was disappointed that William was not a part of the talks that occurred at the school today.

(H/T: CBC News)

Comments (56)

1 2
  • BubbaCoop
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 11:10pm

    I seriously thought that was a picture of Stu

    Report Post »  
    • I support God's Israel!
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:55am

      There are far too many doctrines, far too many theologies, far too many versions of truth in the “Church” that not all of them can be correct. The proponents of them cause arguments. Friends become estranged. Evil becomes good and good becomes evil. I was once in a conversation with a friend about a certain subject of the Bible. I read to him the exact verse that refuted his errant belief that was taught to him by a false teacher. He told me that I had a right to be wrong and began arguing semantics of various words in the simple verse. When that didn’t work, he argued scientific plausibility. When that argument failed, it became a personal attack. We decided it was best not to discuss it anymore.

      Study the Bible for yourself. Take the time to understand. If you do, then you will find the truth. And often, that truth will be far from what is being taught. Psalm 146:3 says, “Do not trust a prince or upon a son of man, for there is no salvation in his hand.” When you stand before the Lord, it will not be that teacher, preacher, apostle or prophet who saves you. Yeshua warns in Matthew 7:22,23: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” A word to the wise: know the Word.

      Report Post » I support God's Israel!  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:05am

      Son, The Best way you can spread JESUS is to be as much like him as possible. Your actions-not sayings on your T shirt will be better. We don’t “convert’…GOD DOES. Showing Kindness, patience, courtesy and helpfulness goes a long way. Being content and good spirited does too. Christianity is NOT like ISLAM…we do NOT threaten people, hit them over the head with ‘doctrine’. Nothing spreads Christianity better than fair, just actions. That doesn’t mean you have to be milque toast (obviously) but read St. Francis’s prayer daily and get that in your mind. I don‘t care for this T Shirt at all and I don’t care for the ‘burn in hell’…that’s not up to any of us to say, regardless of the misinformed preacher’s urging. It‘s simply that Jesus came to earth to die for our sins so we’d have everlasting life*. He is our Savior, our Teacher and always there for us and if anyone would like to meet the real Jesus, all they have to do is ask. (* For Heaven to be Heaven it cannot have sinners; God knows the right and wrong. God created us to be with Him. He gave us free will. We misused it. God can‘t ’look the other way’ or there would be no Heaven. God required repayment for our sins.) Once anyone understands that, they have found the key to life. :)

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
  • Ralpie
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 11:06pm

    Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.

    Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826)

    Not only is there no God, but try getting a plumber on weekends.

    Report Post » Ralpie  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:48pm

      You quote a man who believed in God to suggest there is no God? God Himself says to “prove Me…” in Malachai Chp 3 knowing that anyone who sincerely looks for God will find that God has been searching for him/her first.

      Also, you can find a plumber but it’s expensive. God works weekends and He’s free!

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
  • SaneAmerican
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 11:01pm

    The student sounds like his presence was very disruptive to the educational process.

    This sounds like an appropriate end to this attention-grabbing grandstanding.

    Report Post »  
  • JoeNYC
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 9:22pm

    “the student was consistently preaching and making them feel uncomfortable” Aaaaaand with that, my sympathy and interest in this story is concluded.

    Report Post »  
  • IvanK
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 9:00pm

    I’m quite curious as to what would have happened if a kid showed up with a shirt that said, “Allah is the way” or perhaps “Buddhism is the path”. The simple fact of the matter that is Christianity is under attack like never before. I don’t want to sound like a cliche but I firmly believe that Satan is working overtime and enjoying every moment of his attacks. Our “moral relativism”, instant gratification generation, and overall moral decay is making Satan’s crusade and walk in the park.
    I’,m proud of this boy’s father of making a stand. The school is only concerned with “appearances” while his father is concerned with his son’s soul. Which party do you think has more skin in the game?

    One last point folks. Of all you Christians out there, how many of you are legitamately offended if another person walks around with an Allah, Buddha, Hindu, or Gia T-shirt on? That’s what I though… None of you. Ask yourself this, “If a non Christian is offended by a Christian T-shirt because of their own religion – don’t you think there is a problem”? Personally, I don’t think these PC liberals are actually offended… I think it’s more about exercise of power than anything. Why did society give these people power over others for what they think or believe? That my friends is the great hypocrisy of the left. WHile claiming to be inclusive, tolerant, and open minded… They are neither. They relish the opportunity to oppress others any opportunity they get. I pray for

    Report Post » IvanK  
    • DesertRose1960
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 10:37pm

      It wasn’t the message on the shirt, it was the boys repeated and disruptive preaching. Having to deal with a kid who wants to impose their religious law onto a secular classroom is wrong, And you can bet if the kid had not been a Christian, no one on this blog would have supported his right to get in people’s faces and telling them they are damned. If this kid had been a Muslim, well, I don’t want to think what would have happened to him and his family.

      Report Post » DesertRose1960  
  • FromSeaToSea
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:45pm

    No issue wearing an Adolf Hitler tee or a Karl Marx tee. Just please don‘t wear Jesus tee’s. 5 days suspension? Satan is quickly taking over.

    Report Post »  
    • davecorkery
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 11:15am

      I’m getting a T shirt that says : Life is wasted without: (check one) Jesus, Buddha, Allah, Flying Spaghetti Monster.

      Seems fair.

      Report Post »  
  • Whiteeagle
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:44pm

    Heh, heh, …. I LOVE this, Because the only class of People that WON‘T be ’bought’, ‘sold’, ‘fooled’, ‘intimidated’, ‘provoked’, and/or otherwise ‘handled’ WILL be the TRUE BELIEVER, the ‘Rest’ are ‘Bundled’ for the ‘BURNING’ …. IT‘s the ’Harvest’, the ‘WHEAT’ will be Separated from the ‘Tares’ …

    Report Post » Whiteeagle  
  • Cant steal my joy
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:43pm

    The Federation for Just Communities has been invited to speak on diversity to our middle school students. I am in the midst of drafting a letter in opposition. If anyone knows anything about the Federation for Just Communities please let me know. I have learned that they champion social justice but that’s about it. My child‘s middle school’s girls’ lacrosse team was falsely accused of racial slurs by spectator(s) of the losing team. Our Superintendent, who was the opposing team’s superintendent last year, took his or her/their word alone and imposed a four game suspension. Then he interviewed our team and our spectators, talked to the lawyers for some of the team members then concluded that there was no basis for the claim. He lifted the suspension. Lesson learned by the kids: Those in authority will stomp on you and squash you in the name of self promotion.

    Report Post »  
  • Bronco II
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:42pm

    I also told him I pray for him and all our Troops and their families he was so polite and said thank you Mam we appreciate it we really do. It made my day it was an honor for me I don‘t talk to much or long because I get emotional knowing what they do for us when they don’t even know us personally. No greater love is there then for a man or woman to lay down their life for their brethern THEY ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST.

    Report Post » Bronco II  
  • neonlizard
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:40pm

    @Macpappy
    Today’s “homeschool” is very different than 30 years ago. My kids are already smarter than I am, as today there are plenty of resources/curriculum, teachers (via co-ops and communities) and a plethora of educational groups. They are better educated, more socialized, more polite, wiser, aware, and step up as leaders more than any many of today’s publicly schooled youth. I am also smarter because of having to keep up! The parent only has to be smart enough to know where to find the resources! We need more parents to homeschool so we can “grow” political leaders with some character!

    Report Post »  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:36pm

    Pretty soon you won’t be able to stop good people with good intentions from speaking their minds or in this case just wearing a shirt and not saying a word.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • Bronco II
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:33pm

    Sorry but by him screaming at people and passing judgement on them he turns them off it would me and I‘am a christian but that isn’t the way to promote it for sure. I wear fatih based shirts either with pictures on them or pics with scripture I don‘t yell at people most of the time they’ll say I like that shirt where did you get it.Most I got from TeenChallage when they are promoting their program and the money is more or less a donation to help keep the program going.One I have has a picture of Jesus with his hands behing his back and the wreath of thorns on his head and it says SAVED THE WORLD WITH BOTH HANDS BEHIND HIS BACK.Yes I know and most thinking people know Christ was nailed to the cross but it let‘s people know he did it for all and it let’s peole know what I believe without shouting at them and judging them.I have another one with a little girl sitting on Jesus lap and whispering in his ear and it says JESUS LISTENS TO EVEN THE SMALLEST PRAYERS. I also wear many pro-military shrits and of course Glenns that I have purchased over the years my favorite of Glenns is the RESTORING HONOR.My favorite Military is from the USO and says OUR TROOPS KNOW I HAVE THEIR BACKS.I wear all of them to work or out when I’m not working and have never gotten a negative response from anyone.I also got to shake the hand of a Marine the other day he was getting gas and then went into the store and I saw his tag and walked into the store and waited for him and thanked him.

    Report Post » Bronco II  
  • HappyStretchedThin
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:29pm

    Since when was liberty of the expression of religion a property of the RECEIVER of the expression, and NOT a property of the EXPRESSOR?
    Why is it the school can’t teach the kids to hear in their minds the words “I believe that…” in front of this Christian’s profession “you will burn in hell if you don’t accept Jesus”. With that simple thought exercise, all the focus of their complaints becomes inoffensive. They are free to accept his words as truth or not, and it hurts no one to hear him say what he says. For heaven’s sake, he even believes HE HIMSELF is hell-bound without acceptance of Jesus.
    Don’t let the offendED determine the intent of the accused “offender”. That would be liberalism…

    Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
  • PCsince1776
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:29pm

    This kid and his parents ROCK!

    Report Post » PCsince1776  
  • FromSeaToSea
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:29pm

    I want to congratulate the Father and Son. Thank you for standing for our Saviour. Great to see you refuse to bow to Satan’s puppets.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:23pm

    See… “Jesu” does “Save”… and He saved this young man from attending a Leftist Indoctrination!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • the_united_states_of_britain
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:05pm

    as an atheist, i look at this and go “WTF???”

    if i wore a shirt saying “jesus is a myth” nothing would be said. i think its a piss take and id like to say that not all atheists have an issue with jesus, christianity or anything to do with god.

    i myself appreciate what christianity has done for the western world, civilisation would be nowhere without the progressive nature of christianity. christianity gives you choice. and it should be more appreciated. if islam was the religion of the west, we would be in a very different world.

    so thank you god, if you’re real, if you’re out there. thanks for (possibly) having a son who (possibly) preached peace and love. without you (possibly) existing i wouldn’t be allowed to choose my own path.

    Report Post » the_united_states_of_britain  
    • godhatesacoward
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:23pm

      So you are agnostic. Answer me this. In school there are no bibles anymore. The prison system abounds with them. Why is that?

      Report Post » godhatesacoward  
    • PCsince1776
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:28pm

      @THE_UNITED_STATES_OF_BRITAIN – Thanks for your tolerance and open minded attitude – it is very refreshing to read your words!

      Report Post » PCsince1776  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:56pm

      [In school there are no bibles anymore. The prison system abounds with them. Why is that?]
      Public schools are NOT your church and religion is NOT a function of government. There is no prohibition on bringing your own bible to school that I am aware of. Prisoners are not provided bibles at the expense of government (I hope) and are one of the few “personal” effects allowed in prison AFAIK.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • From Virginia
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 9:21pm

      @Pontiac – I think his point is that since the bible was banned from schools we now see the fruits of full prisons. And yes, bibles are provided by the prisons. That’s right, state run and federal facilities are providing bibles to inmates.

      Let me guess – you will now start a crusade to deprive the hopeless with their only comfort and hope – right? Can’t have taxpayers providing those pesky bibles, now can we?

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 10:18pm

      [I think his point is that since the bible was banned from schools we now see the fruits of full prisons.]
      Since it was banned? You could just carry your own and sorry, when was government ever legally allowed to push a religion? When was there a time when crime wasn’t prevalent? More people profess to believe in god in the US than many other nations with lower crime rates.
      For every 1 atheist in prison there are 75 Christians, including evangelist Kent Hovind. Your “moral guide”, parents, god, and churches must be doing a lousy job if you need GOVERNMENT schools to teach the bible. Whichever “bible” that may be…

      [state run and federal facilities are providing bibles to inmates.]
      The Federal Government doesn’t pay for nor endorse the bibles. ALL religious material is supplied by request, within reason, by private parties. What part of “personal effect” and not a “government endorsement” do you not understand? The prisoners have individual religious rights, the government and the majority do not.

      skipping past your piss poor ad-hominem.

      [Can’t have taxpayers providing those pesky bibles, now can we?]
      Which bible? Should tax payers foot the bill for korans as well? And no, tax payers don’t pay for them.

      Get
      it
      through
      your
      head.
      Religion is not a function of our government. Never was. If you don’t like that, move to Saudi Arabia.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:51pm

      @PONTIAC
      Who do you think paid for the Korans and prayer rugs handed out at Club Gitmo genius? YOU DID!
      Also, Thomas Jefferson funded christian missionaries. Uh oh, history bites the athiest again!

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on May 8, 2012 at 3:14pm

      @SquidVetOhio
      Trying to justify bad behavior by pointing to other bad behavior? What’s next, are you going to use Thomas Jefferson to justify slavery based solely on the fact that Jefferson had slaves? Nothing in the constitution gives government the authority or obligation to fund or endorse ANY religion.
      At the same time it cannot unreasonably “deprive” an “individual” the right to practice their religion while imprisoned. However it should not be paying for bibles or prayer rugs as that would be as equally offensive as government pushing prayer rugs onto christians or bibles onto muslims.
      An individuals right stops with the individual. In no way does this infer they can use government trample on the rights others such as disrupting a classroom or school function to pray. This is what you do not seem to get. It’s ridiculous to think “pushing atheism down peoples’ throats” means stopping belligerent fundamentalists from doing exactly that.

      Report Post » Pontiac  
  • godhatesacoward
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:03pm

    I’m a devout christian. My question is why common sense is thown on the back burner?

    Report Post » godhatesacoward  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:00pm

    CHRISTIANS stand for JESUS no matter the cost. There is nothing, no thing, no one in this world, in the universe, more precious than GOD’s ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. Bless this family, LORD. Thank YOU for granting them YOUR COURAGE and YOUR PRESENCE. In JESUS’ PRECIOUS AND MIGHTY NAME, amen.

    Report Post »  
  • macpappy
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:59pm

    Your religious convictions should be your own, be private, testified to in the appropriate forum, and practiced with respect and consideration for what another believes.

    Report Post » macpappy  
    • Commonsensical
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:35pm

      If that were true, why don’t the 14% of atheists SHUT UP and stop trying to impose their religious views on the 86% of us who believe? make no mistake; atheism, secular humanism, and evolution are ALL faith based religious views. They just place their faith in random chance.

      Report Post »  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:37pm

      That attitude and lifestyle is what got us into this mess: appeasement, tolerance, political correctness. Barf!

      There is ONE GOD, period, and HE IS HOLY. All the rest of our idols, fantasies, inventions fit into whatever country club or watering hole we want to use; and, they all lead to the same heart-empty, soulless, selfish lifestyle and a permanent dead end.

      There is a relationship that transforms a life from something common, dull, depressed, angry, self centered, empty, lost and alone into a vibrancy and joy this world cannot give, create or maintain. That relationship cost GOD everything.

      What has it cost you?

      Report Post »  
    • From Virginia
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 9:35pm

      @Macpappy – Yet you folks have no problem ruining the only two holidays we have a year.

      Shoot, you even messed up Holloween and Thanksgiving. In fact, you’ve screwed up every fun thing kids used to look forward to during a school year. Oh – and NO MORE bake sales.

      You really ARE dreary people.

      Report Post »  
  • 4XGrace
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:55pm

    At least he is only talking and not beheading anyone for “insulting his faith” like the WhackNuts do that believe in A La U No Who? Or blowing himself up in the cafeteria … I mean get your priorities straight people … you‘re offended by talk but then you’ll welcome with open arms a liar that says Peace! but will kill you for any perceived insult to Islam or what’s his name?
    Just goes to show the power of Jesus’ name … the Son Of God … ;-)

    Report Post » 4XGrace  
  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:55pm

    The more parents pull their kids out of public schools, the better off our society will be since public schools will just collapse and decay.

    Report Post »  
  • Pontiac
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:53pm

    Mandate school uniforms.

    Report Post » Pontiac  
  • 338lapua
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:53pm

    Life IS wasted without Jesus.
    Homeschooling is Way way way better.

    Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:02pm

      Home schooling is a sure way to make sure your child will be no smarter than you are. Of course if your are real smart thats not a bad thing.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Plan B
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:12pm

      Home schooling is the only way to stop the indoctrination. The kids that are learning true history are the only ones who can save this nation.

      Report Post »  
    • Weiners Wiener
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:32pm

      @MacPappy — You’re full of it. Homechooling is still regulated. Parents must cover a list of required studies. If the parent can read, they‘ll learn anything they didn’t already know along with their child. Your statement implies that parents who homeschool make up the curriculum as they go along, and that is 100% false.

      Report Post »  
    • From Virginia
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 9:29pm

      @Macpappy – Oh puh-lease! It’s already been proven homeschooled children score much, much higher on tests. Years ahead of their public school contemporaries. They are also much more polite and well behaved then their contemporaries.

      If you want to release your child into the wild, wild world and hope for their best, then homeschool them.

      Report Post »  
  • hynzerelli
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:48pm

    His shirt should have said senor jesus was an illegal

    Report Post » hynzerelli  
    • Plan B
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:10pm

      No no no, they don’t want us using the “I” word anymore.

      Report Post »  
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