Teen suspended for religious nose ring

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The discussion centers around the suspension of 14-year-old Ariana Iacono from Clayton High School for wearing a nose piercing, which she claims is part of her religious expression under the Church of Body Modification. Participants debate whether this church qualifies as a legitimate religion deserving of First Amendment protections. Many argue that the school's dress code is being enforced selectively, with some suggesting that if the church were more widely recognized, the situation would be different. Others contend that the church's legitimacy is questionable, viewing it as a potential loophole to bypass dress codes. The conversation also touches on broader themes of religious freedom, the role of schools in regulating personal expression, and the implications of allowing exceptions to dress codes based on self-identified religious beliefs. Some participants express frustration with perceived double standards in how different religions are treated, while others emphasize the need for consistent application of dress codes across all students. Overall, the thread reflects a complex interplay between individual rights, institutional authority, and the definition of religion in contemporary society.
  • #101
Pythagorean said:
Gangsters aren't a real problem in Alaska, so I concede to that as well out of ignorance, but seriously, how does face jewelry come in?

I am glad to know we are in general agreement. As far as "face jewelery" comes in, I would never have believed that this "tiff" is about the tiny nose stud (see my earlier link). If it was only this tiny stud, it should never be a problem.

But again we have a line on the slope: If you said "yes" to the tiny diamond stud, then the next day (and I mean literally, the next day) it would be the larger, obtrusive onyx stone or something. ("But yesterday you said it was OK"). And then it would be the hoop, then the larger hoop.

Multiple hoops through the nose and eyebrows are next (which make my eyes water when I see them).

At this point people say I'm playing a game of "If If If." In a large, mixed high school, there are no "Ifs" in these cases.

We had three years of a spineless principal. "Huggy Bear," we called him. By the end of his tenure (three years, because that gave him max retirement benefits, his goal), there were daily fights in our school. Students yelled and cursed loudly in the hallway during classes. Some kids were on their cell phones all day despite the ban.

We have a new principal and I am thrilled. In one year most of the problems evaporated. The trick? "Be fair" and "Hold the line." That was all.
 
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  • #102
Chi Meson said:
I am glad to know we are in general agreement. As far as "face jewelery" comes in, I would never have believed that this "tiff" is about the tiny nose stud (see my earlier link). If it was only this tiny stud, it should never be a problem.

But again we have a line on the slope: If you said "yes" to the tiny diamond stud, then the next day (and I mean literally, the next day) it would be the larger, obtrusive onyx stone or something. ("But yesterday you said it was OK"). And then it would be the hoop, then the larger hoop.

Multiple hoops through the nose and eyebrows are next (which make my eyes water when I see them).

At this point people say I'm playing a game of "If If If." In a large, mixed high school, there are no "Ifs" in these cases.

We had three years of a spineless principal. "Huggy Bear," we called him. By the end of his tenure (three years, because that gave him max retirement benefits, his goal), there were daily fights in our school. Students yelled and cursed loudly in the hallway during classes. Some kids were on their cell phones all day despite the ban.

We have a new principal and I am thrilled. In one year most of the problems evaporated. The trick? "Be fair" and "Hold the line." That was all.

Ah, I read your post. I guess I've never seen the inside of a high school in my adult life, so I couldn't possibly appreciate the teacher's point of view. I'm not so responsible for behavior teaching college students, so it's easier not to care I suppose.

My daughter is 10 months now, can't wait until she's 13 [/sarcasm]
 
  • #103
Pythagorean said:
rootX said:
People go to school so that at one moment they can join workforce. At workplace the unprofessional dress code is not appropriate.

That's two generalizations in a row. None of the researchers or professors I know adhere to a strict dress code.

It's supposed to be a generalization. Same with why we are taught The Stone Angel and calculus, whether or not it's relevant to our eventual career.

Living within externally-imposed constraints (dress code is one example) is one lesson that can be learned via school.
 
  • #104
Chi Meson said:
High school especially is the place where "the slippery slope" is not a fallacy.

Great quote. Should be forced into the heads of all aspiring teachers/high school administers.
 
  • #105
lisab said:
Great quote. Should be forced into the heads of all aspiring teachers/high school administers.
Cough! Excuse me! :wink:
 
  • #106
Earring, okay. Nose ring, suspension.

I don't get it.
 
  • #107
Newai said:
Earring, okay. Nose ring, suspension.

I don't get it.

I, personally, don't get that one either. But we're talking about North Carolina, not exactly a "progressive" state. Earrings can also be obnoxious and disruptive and even offensive. A diamond stud nose-ring is no less elegant than the similar ear-ring.

Our school has a size limit, I can't recall what it is, but it includes "no hoops." There is a safety issue there: certain types have been known to yank them out in hallways. That would be nasty if it were a nose ring hoop.
 
  • #108
zomgwtf said:
I think that's only because it is banned so when someone wears it it draws attention. If it wasn't banned I think no one would take notice. The only real reason such things are banned is because they are found to be offensive...
Pretty much by definition, something cannot be offensive unless people take notice. :-p


I assume the whole point behind things like dress codes, public decency laws, and so forth has to do with protecting people's rights. If I find George Carlin offensive, I have the right not to listen to him! But that right has been violated if the law requires me to go to a school that requires students to watch his routines. The standards in places like a school or a public library must be stricter.

(Or I would have assumed -- nanny-type rules didn't cross my mind until Chi mentioned it)
 
  • #109
Thread closed. This topic has been beaten to death.
 

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