Body Modification: Fashion or Religion?

http://abcnews.go.com/US/students-body-modification-religion-questioned-nose-piercing-controversy/story?id=11645847&page=1

In local news, the story of Ariana Iacono has caught the attention of many people. The Johnston county teen was prepared to begin her freshman year at Clayton High School this fall, but was promptly suspended on her first day for refusing to remove her nose piercing. Iacono explains that she wears her nose piercing as an expression of her religion. She and her mother are members of The Church of Body Modification, a federally recognized religion which uses body modifications as a way to bring harmony to the mind, body and soul. The Johnston County school, however, has rejected her request for religious exemption with the principal telling Iacono's mother that he did not think Ariana's stud to be "necessary".

Local resident and recently ordained minister in the Church of Body Modification, Richard Ivey, criticizes the actions of the school and sees Iacono's suspensions as an example of religious intolerance. The school maintains that Iacono did not meet the criteria required for religious exemption.

For refusing to remove her piercing, Ariana has been disciplined with one, three and five day suspensions. She will be suspended again if she returns to school with her piercing. Ariana and her mother are seeking help from the American Civil Liberties Union and have their minister Richard Ivey supporting them through this time.

Resources:

Netter, Sarah. "Student's Body Modification Religion Questioned After Nose Piercing Controversy." ABC News 16 Sep. 2010: 1-3. Web.