Judge orders US school to allow teenager with nose piercing to return to class

A FEDERAL judge yesterday ordered a North Carolina school to admit a 14-year-old high school student suspended for wearing a nose piercing she says is part of her religion, her attorney said.

US District Judge Malcolm Howard announced his decision allowing Ariana Iacono to return to school during a hearing, said her lawyer, Jon Sasser. "We are thrilled Ariana can return to her studies," her mother, Nikki Iacono, said in a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union. "Ariana is eager to get back to her classes and continue with her education."

The Johnston County school system has a dress code banning facial piercings, along with short skirts, sagging pants and other items deemed distracting or disruptive, but allows for exemptions based on "sincerely held religious beliefs"

Ariana will be able to attend Clayton High School with her nose stud at least until 3 November, Mr Sasser said, when another hearing is scheduled.

Mr Sasser and the American Civil Liberties Union sued Wednesday, claiming school officials violated Iacono's constitutional religious liberty rights.

The freshman has been suspended repeatedly from school since classes started four weeks ago.