Mouths and earlobes are being included in the dress codes for the Arlington school district.

According to the new dress code, students will no longer be allowed to wear mouth jewelry known as "grillz" or the earlobe-stretching practice known as "gauging."

Malcolm Turner, the district's executive director of student services, said, "the district is having to respond to fads because they've become distracters or a safety hazard for those around them."

However, students stated that the body modification is simply self-expression.

Junior Devonte Wright said, "Really, a grill is just like an earring. It's fashion."

But, school officials stated that life sometimes requires people to follow specific regulations in specific settings.

School board trustee Gloria Pena says, "We want to instill in them a sense of modesty and a sense of community. We're preparing them for the work force, and in the work force there are rules."