News Story 2

A disciplinary hearing will be held at the school on April 10 to determine if Sophomore,

Stacy Carol, will be removed to alternative school after being suspended for exercising
what she felt was her first amendment right by wearing facial jewelry that represented
her religion, despite the school’s dress code regulations.
Carol and her mother, Lareina Carol, are members of the Church of Body
Modification, which practices body modifications in ways to experience the divine. The
local American Civil Liberties Union agreed to represent Carol in the case and defend
her rights.
“I was grateful when the ACLU agreed to help us,” mother Lareina Carol said. “The
piercing is part of Stacy’s religion. My daughter wants to go to class, but she also doesn’t
want her First Amendment rights trampled. I asked Stacy if she wanted to back down
and take out the lip jewelry, but she believes in our church and in our freedom. She
wants to stand up for herself, and for that, I am proud.”
Superintendent Parker Gordon, feels like the dress code is necessary for student’s
success in the school.
“When we created this dress code in 2009, the district sought input from students,
faculty, and community members,” Gordon said. “Together we designed a plan that was
appropriate for our district. Facial jewelry did not make the cut. We have a dress code to
have order and discipline in our schools. Imagine what our schools would look like if we
allowed students to wear whatever they like.”
The school’s dress code prohibits hats and headwear, but has given two exemptions
to Muslim students so they may wear their hijabs. The Carol family believes that since
Stacy’s facial jewelry is a part of her religion, she should be exempt as well. However,
one Muslim student does not think the religions are comparable.
“I don’t think you can compare Muslim religion to the Church of Body Modification,”
Junior Amina Shakuri said. “We have a rich and long history. There are more than a
billion Muslims Worldwide. Our beliefs are documented. I don’t have a problem with
Stacy’s lip piercing, but comparing her lip piercing to my hijab is absurd.”
A lawyer supporting the school’s case has expressed little worry about the hearing,
as he doesn’t think Stacy’s case has even a leg to stand on.
“People cry First Amendment violations all of the time,” Constitutional Lawyer Jett
Ramirez said. “Freedom of religion is a big one. Just because a few people get together
and call themselves a church doesn’t mean they are a church in the eyes of the law. The
school district should hold its ground. I believe the courts will see the absurdity in this.”
Stacy has received no criminal record or previous suspensions from the school.
“I don’t understand why the district won’t drop this,” Carol said. “I have never been
suspended. In fact, I have never had a referral. I am a Straight-A student. I just want to
get back to class.”
Breakdown:
Who- Sophomore Stacy Carol
What- a disciplinary hearing will be held to move Carol to an alternative school until she
removes the lip jewelry
When- April 10
Where- Leaguetown high
Why- Carol refuses to remove her face jewelry in defense of her religious practices and 1st
amendment rights
How- Hold a hearing at the school to determine the result

Lead -
A disciplinary hearing will be held at the school on April 10 to determine if sophomore, Stacy
Carol, will be removed to alternative school after being suspended for exercising her first
amendment right by wearing facial jewelry that represented her religion, despite the school’s
dress code regulations.