North Carolina School Board Votes to Allow Facial Piercings

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – A North Carolina school system that had been involved in a dispute with a student over her nose piercing has now changed its dress code to allow such jewelry.

The Johnston County school board voted unanimously Tuesday to allow students to have nose rings and facial jewelry as long as their school principal doesn't see it as a disruption.

The school system was sued last year by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of Ariana Iacono. The student said she wore a small nose stud as a reflection of her religious beliefs. The school suspended her, saying such jewelry violated the dress code.

In June, the school dropped its objections to Iacono's piercing.

Superintendent Ed Croom says Tuesday's vote is not related to the lawsuit.