WIBU to refuse to remove my nose piercing?

[ManonBlackbeak]

Just that really.

I work for an agency doing supply work in schools. Ive been doing this for about three years, and love it. I enjoy it and the flexiability it brings, that I can go on holiday in term time etc. I have regular schools that I go to and get excellent feedback, people ask for me and I'm pretty much always in work. Just for context, I think I'm good at my job.

The whole time Ive been with the agency I've had a small nose stud and no one has ever commented on it. In fact I forget it's there most of the time.

To get to the point I was asked yesterday about going for a potentially long term position at a school Ive never been to before, one of the few Ive never been to in the area. They asked to meet me first and I agreed, which in itself is unusual as usually you just turn up as and when you are needed. They liked me a lot apparently, and would like me take the placement but on the condition that I remove my nose ring. Now I was a bit taken a back at this, and so was my consultant actually. It's never happened before anywhere in three years! It's a tiny stud you can barely see! A ring I'd have understood. An eyebrow or lip ring certainly, but nose stud? Christ, Ive seen loads of teachers and TAs with them!

I'm not even alternative. Ive no visible tattoos, and dress fairly mundanely but this seemed horribly judgey to me. I don't know why? I feel like they've judged me on how I chose to dress and look I suppose.

WIBU to refuse to take it out?

Racedriver, where have I said I'm going to chuck a tantrum?! I just wanted some idea of whether or not I'd be unreasonable to refuse.

I think I will just turn down the placement as I don't think we'd really gel.

I think if it were a permenant position, employed by the school directly they'd be more entitled to ask me to take it out. As it is, and I know now how supply works I'd could be there a week and let go if they can cover it internally.

If the nose hole is more important than your career then refuse the position.

Then you will all the time in the world to play in your sand pit.

I'm of Indian origin, mum has lots of friends with nose rings, so I can't help wondering if they'd ask everyone to remove a nose ring.

I wasn't allowed to wear one in the NHS but I used to wear it anyway.

Why does it matter? It doesn't define you. Schools often have dress codes as do other jobs. I'm surprised anyone would be surprised about this.

claim it holds religious significance to you....see what they say.

Not a fan of them myself but can see no justification for asking you to remove it, other than sheer stuffiness. So I would turn the job down on the basis that it might not be a nice place to work.

I think if it were a permenant position, employed by the school directly they'd be more entitled to ask me to take it out

They are entitled to ask no matter what basis they employ you on. You don’t want to take it out so don’t take the job.

I'd take the job.

Otherwise surely it's a case of cutting up your nose to spite your face.

Why not offer to wear a clear one at work?

It would be very difficult for you as a teacher to tell your students that they are not allowed to wear a nose stud as part of their school uniform and to take it out when you are wearing one yourself. surely unless the teacher is wearing exactly the same uniform / no make up / nail varnish then you could say the same about that. Yes teachers need to adhere to some levels of “professional attire” but rules for teachers and children are different regardless. And a nose ring definitely doesn’t set a bad example!

But, as others have said. It’s a rule and that’s how it is (as antiquated as it is). Perhaps H & S with primary children, if you’re bending down explaining something they could see it and be like “ooo” and rip it out. But I would also be annoyed that it’s never been mentioned up until this point.

I'm with you, OP. I don't think that you'd enjoy that particular school and ..... it's their loss. We're crying out for good teachers, yet still imposing barriers to those talented individuals wanting to pursue a career in that field.

Your post has actually provided food for thought. I'm currently contemplating training to be a teacher. However, I have a small nose stud and a larger Medusa stud. Oh, and very brightly coloured shaved hair. Other than that, I'm very ..... conservative. I wear a smart trouser suit to work, no tattoos etc, etc

I seriously hadn't considered that this might be an issue prior to reading your post.

I'm now thinking I'll stay as an accountant, where my piercings seem to be perfectly acceptable

They can set the dress code as they want. There will be plenty of places that say no facial piercings whether you agree with that or not ;and I’m of the view that a small nose stud can be quite discrete). As others have said it’s up to you whether you want the job or not. When I was at school it used to piss me off no end that we had to sit there in blazers while some of the teachers looked like they’d rocked up after a weekend at Glastonbury. I don’t think it was a coincidence that the teachers that seemed to be most respected looked professional. I think it is a bit different at primary though.

I am a primary school teacher and have taught in state and private schools without anyone mentioning my nose piercing. It’s not for religious or cultural reasons but I would probably be upset if an employer told me to take it out!

@racecardriver

It’s funny you should say that because my ‘skivvy’ job at min wage requires me to take it out see above yet my professional job working for a government agency allow my facial piercings and my tattoos. Only thing I have to hide is a ‘violent’ tattoo I have down my arm. Easy done though.

So it’s funny that you think it’s unprofessional

Could you put a small circular band aid on it and pretend it is a sore?

YABU you do have to dress professionally and racial piercings are not professional

That is one unfortunate typo.

If you want to earn a living you have to do have to comply with employers. I do think they are being daft and I hate tattoo and piercing discrimination but you would be daft to turn down a regular income when you could just take it out at school.

You wouldn't be at all U to refuse to move it, OP. But you're not going to get the job.

Are you sure you'd want that job? Could be a sign of things to come...

legally they can have a ban on nose piercings as part of the dress code, but it would have to apply to everyone equally. And exist in writing.

Maybe ask for a written copy of the dress code OP?

What’s their approach to Indian women with cultural nose piercing I wonder? Is that allowed?

Could you not remove it during the work day and put them back in afterwards?

I think it would probably close up if I left it out all day.