February 2007
	People

A Beard With a Message 

In Washington state, an educator makes national news with his unusual refusal to shave.

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Washington state teacher Gary Weddle says he won’t shave until suspected 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden is captured. He was so glued to TV in that first week following the attacks that he simply didn’t shave. Now it’s become a personal cause. Although he didn’t lose anyone on 9/11, Weddle says he empathizes with victims’ families.

At the start of every year at Ephrata Middle School, Weddle explains the beard to his students. “I tell them that I just look scary, but I’m the same nice guy inside. I want them to know that the world is more connected than we realize.”

Weddle says that he has not faced any opposition from the school administration. “In fact, everyone has been very nice and supportive about this,” he says.

Although it has been more than five years, he has no intention of shaving prematurely. “I’m tired of the beard, but I’m not tempted to cut it.”

 —Mishri Someshwar