CHESTER BASIN, N.S. - A Nova Scotia student who was suspended from school last week for wearing a T-shirt expressing his religious views returned to class today before his father abruptly pulled him out.
John Swinimer says his son, William, won't participate in discussions today about freedom of expression and religious tolerance at Forest Heights Community School in Chester Basin.
Nancy Pynch-Worthylake, the superintendent for the South Shore Regional School Board, says she is disappointed that Swinimer won't take part in the discussions.
But Swinimer's father says he won't bring his son back to school until the discussions have ended and regular "reading, writing and arithmetic" classes resume.
The Grade 12 student wore the same yellow shirt that has generated a debate about freedom of speech and religion.
It bears the message, "Life is wasted without Jesus."
The school board has said students complained about the shirt, and after Swinimer refused to abide by a principal's request not to wear it, he was suspended.
The school says it is now allowing him to wear the shirt.
