GIPS school board to vote on students showing piercings and tattoos

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by Dara Newson

Story Created: Jun 11, 2012 at 5:54 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 11, 2012 at 8:02 PM CDT

It may sting and it may even bleed, but the saying goes "pain is beauty."
And, when it comes to body art, Grand Island Public Schools is embracing the creativity.
The school board could possibly allow more students to exhibit their tattoos and body piercings.
The current rule says students can wear tattoos but they must cover them up. For piercings, students are only allowed to wear one earring in each ear, but if implemented the new policy could change all of that.
"How can we make it more of a learning environment so that kids have the right to make those choices but be responsible with the choices?" asked Associate Superintedent of Student Services Robin Dexter.
School policies have to be current within the last ten years, and that's one of the reasons why Dexter is pushing for the new tattoo and piercing policy.
"It became very time consuming for the principal to say go to the office, cover up the piercing, go to the office, take out the piercing, go home get rid of the piercing," said Dexter. "This way, if it's not disrupting the environment the student can go ahead and wear it."
Over at Smokin Joe's Tattoo, it's evident the youth aren't afraid of needles.
"Most of the time is just belly button piercings, anything to do with your ear, uh occasionally lip piercings, I'd say my biggest age group for clientele is 16-20 years old," said Kyle Myer, a body piercer.
"I would say 17-25 is our main age group for tattoos, for girls it's butterflies and flowers; for guys it's crosses and tribals anymore this day and age," added apprentice Shaun Proctor. "You're not looked down upon so much just because its 2012."
"I think it's more accepted and I think it's become not so much of a novelty," said Dexter. "The key part is make responsible choices. If you're going to get a job as a high school student your employer may not let you wear that piercing."
Tuesday night's meeting is only a first reading.
A final decision will be made on July 12.

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