My clinic supervisor for massage therapy is asking me to remove my nine ear piercings (they are unobtrusive, and I don't have any facial which would be considered a health risk in my field). Can she do that if they have religious significance?
2007-02-20 02:30:48 · 20 answers · asked by erthe_mama 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Thank you to all those who provided HELPFUL answers.
However, I should have be more specific: it is a clinical placement within my college where I am in my first semester. After I graduate, I intend to begin my own practice.
FYI: I exluded that they are Pagan Rite of Passage piercings because I thought that I would be ridiculed because of the amount of bigots on Yahoo Answers. They represent several stages of my life.
2007-02-20 02:56:27 · update #1
Well, there is probably something in the school's handbook that addresses dress code, but likely nothing that addresses religious issues regarding the dress code, so if I were you, and couldn't take the piercings out for the time you're in clinicals, I'd go to the dean of the school and plead my case.
2007-02-20 02:35:48 · answer #1 · answered by every1lovesamixedgirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have an Employee Handbook that contains work rules, which includes a dress code or talks about what an "acceptable" work appearance might be and what remedies might be available if the employer has concerns. Has anyone been asked to remove jewelry or other personal items while they are at work. Your employer may be concerned about how your appearance may affect the profitability of the company or how customers may react to your 9 ear piercings. Were you wearing the 9 piercings when you were hired? If you don't do as your employer asks, you may be subject to termination from your position and the employer would probably prevail unless you can prove that you were discriminated against because of your religious beliefs. Check with your union rep or human resources department to get a read from them. Then you'll have to decide if your value your piercings more than your job. Good luck.
2007-02-20 02:48:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said they had relegious significance. A cross or something has "relegious significance" as well and they make people remove them in certain situations. Especially in the health field. I mean if you were denied entrance in the school because you had them it would be more a case of discrimination.....but they are just asking you to remove them while you're in school. It could have something to do with their insurance policies.....or it could also be the fact of pressure points in your ear that you may learn about and you're earrings would be in the way.
2007-02-20 03:40:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes she can ask you to.
There is a professional appearance to every professional field that commends a dress code and jewelry is part of it. Obviously this is different from profession to profession.
Working in a clinic will definitely be one of those places where piercings are frowned upon, if not down right disallowed.
2007-02-20 02:37:03 · answer #4 · answered by GuyNextDoor 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Part of my religion"? Exactly who do you think you're fooling? No religion mandates "9 ear piercings" as a tenet of that faith.
IF IT DID, you'd provide a link.
You simply like your earrings and are being stubborn. When you work in the health field, you aren't always free to do what you wish.
2007-02-20 02:36:47 · answer #5 · answered by C = JD 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think it's to do with metal objects and conductivity - I have to remove my watch before having reflexology. If it means that much to you then you'll just have to do without the massage! Quite interested to know what sort of religion you're involved in.
2007-02-20 02:36:11 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is a valid health and safety reason why they should be removed, then yes your supervisor is entirely within her authority to ask you to remove them. Your best bet is to ask her for the reason why they should be removed and decide from there.
2007-02-20 02:34:57 · answer #7 · answered by neo_genesis10 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your beliefs are likely viewed, at best, as cult-ish, and not recognized as valid in the mainstream sense. Sure, she can. Please consider searching for a more supportive and nurturing environment to work in, a place where you're accepted for your skill and talent, not appearance.
Or, come to Santa Cruz, CA!
2007-02-20 02:37:30 · answer #8 · answered by Zeera 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes its legal, as you see on my profile am in the law field, especaily it could be hazardes to the suronding.if your religin is more important,find a place that will take you with your piercings and they would respect that.
2007-02-20 02:40:56 · answer #9 · answered by Dove4ever 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An employer can make you do that, yes. Their productivity is what matters to them, not your religion. I personally think that's a shame, but it's the truth.
2007-02-20 02:43:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋