Teen suspended for religious nose ring

In summary: Any other position is just small-minded, self-righteous stupidity.In summary, a 14-year-old girl, Ariana Iacono, has been suspended from her non-parochial school for wearing a nose ring, which violates the school's dress code. She belongs to the Church of Body Modification and argues that her freedom of religion is being infringed upon. The legitimacy of this "church" is questioned, as well as the school's authority to dictate what students can wear. Some argue that this is a violation of the girl's religious rights, while others believe it is the school's responsibility to enforce a dress code. However, the school's actions are viewed by some as an abuse of authority and
  • #106
Earring, okay. Nose ring, suspension.

I don't get it.
 
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  • #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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