I have a cartilidge piercing in my right ear, in the hole is a silver
hoop.  I am also a national officer for a student orginization, Business
Professionals of America.  It is not addressed in the 'handbook' that
a piercing may not be worn, but it is addressed that officers must be
professional, my officer coordinator does not consider it professonal,
and has made a rule that men are not allowed to wear any jewelry
unless it is a wedding ring.  I don't know if i should comply, which
conforming is UNLIKE ME, or fight for what I believe in, and refuse to
take it
out.  I would present her with why I believe it is professional and
such if I did that.  Part of me thinks I should just take out the
piercing, but I don't want to sacrifice my personal convictions for
oppresive outdated guidelines.  What do you think I should do?  Or,
rather, are ear piercings unprofessional in this situation, or is it
inappropiate for me to 'disobey' my coordinator's instructions? 
Keeping in mind, I am 22 years old, and represent 28,000 college
students.  What do you think???

Hi copaceticjaron-ga,
Good question.  I can understnad your feelings, that are well described.
What do you think your responsibility is to the 28,000 students you represent?
I expect that you will have more success representing their interest
if you subordinate your personal convictions on this point.  If you
will, one could say that is the more professional attitude,
recognizing what is most important for the  office you have.
Life in business is full of such compromises  -  life is full of such compromises.

Good luck,
Myoarin

I have a Prince Albert, and am quite proud of it. I have to be cute
with the doctors who examine me. Basically, you warn them.

Here are a couple of interesting articles for you.

http://www.gcglaw.com/resources/employment/tattoo.html
Tattoos & Body Piercing: Avoiding Employment Discrimination Claims 

http://www.jacksonlewis.com/legalupdates/article.cfm?aid=684
Compliance with Request for Exemption from Code Would Cause Undue Hardship

It's unprofessional.  Save it for the weekends.  Would you wear this
to an interview?  If so, you are likely adversely affecting potential
income.

czh, I think the finding that the "Church" of Body Modification is a
bona fide religion rather amusing.  I'll start the Church of
Flatulence so I can fart at will.

(side comment: Freedom OF religion = Freedom FROM religion)

I will turn 40 next week.  When I was 22, I got my left ear pierced, a
conventional, small gold hoop.  I was asked to remove it only once for
other than medical reasons.  It was many years ago for a very specific
business reason and for a very specific period of time.  I did not
hestitate to comply.

A year ago I took it out permanently.  My point is that there may come
a time in your life where you feel that the piercing is not
appropriate to your lifestyle.  That time will come on its own, it
should not be forced on you.

If you are a 22 year old college student, then you should act like a
22 year old college student.  Pierce whatever you want.  You should
never be ashamed to express yourself.  There will be plenty of time to
grow old and conform later.

You should be judged by your conduct and your character.  If you have
the ability to lead many thousands of college students, then you have
the ability to decide if how you choose to express yourself is
appropriate.  If you were elected to the position, and you had the
piercing when you ran for office, then maybe, possibly, you were
elected precisely because you had a piercing.

Think about this.  It you attend a large meeting of your organization,
would having a ring in your ear distract others from respecting your
leadership?  How many other students would have (visible) piercings?

They say that youth is wasted on the young.  My advice is don't waste it.

Take it out.

- console yourself with the thought that you will be a wolf in sheep's clothing

Appearances matter - but often you need to make them deceptive.

Think of it like this 
 - would you lose a round of golf to clinch a business deal ?

Take it out.

Just because you take it out, does not mean they have changed you,
only changed their own and other's view of you.

It would show remarkable maturity for you, at the tender and willful
age of 22, to remove it as asked, and even more if you removed it and
made no negative comments about the removal, your individuality, or
[insert sarcasm here]. It would certainly be ok to ask if you would be
allowed to wear it during company picnics, open houses, -- casual
affairs where family is invited...

If you like your job, and want to climb the ladder quickly, just do
it. Later, you will understand the wisdom.

Tonight, when I go to sleep, I will smile for you, and hope you choose wisely. 

~~Cynthia