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High Schooler Says Nose Stud Is Religious Expression

By Howard M. Friedman

In Johnston County, North Carolina, Clayton High School freshman Ariana Iacono is in a fight with school officials over the school's dress code. The student, who along with her mother is a member of the Church of Body Modification says her wearing a nose stud is an expression of her religious beliefs. WTVD News reported Friday that that a minister of the church, Richard Ivey, explains: "We believe that the mind body soul are all one entity and that by modifying the body, you can bring the mind and soul into harmony." Student Iacono says the nose stud helps her self esteem after years of abuse. However apparently the school district's lawyer has concluded that the nose stud is not a necessary part of Iacono's religion.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on September 12, 2010 (boomark / email).