Pentagon Accused Of Racist Shaving Policy Change

Military.com reports:

The Army is preparing to roll out a new policy that could lead to soldiers diagnosed with a chronic skin condition that causes painful razor bumps and scarring to be kicked out of the service — an issue that disproportionately affects Black men.

The new guidance, expected to take effect in the coming weeks, would bar permanent shaving waivers and require medical personnel to craft formal treatment plans for affected troops, according to multiple service officials and internal documents reviewed by Military.com.

“Of course, this is racially motivated,” one senior noncommissioned officer familiar with the plans told Military.com on the condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation. “There’s no tactical reason; you can look professional with facial hair.”

Read the full article. The USMC is doing the same.

New Army Shaving Policy Will Allow Soldiers with Skin Condition that Affects Mostly Black Men to Be Kicked Out https://t.co/Blpk8zLIGx

— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) June 27, 2025

The U.S. Marine Corps is ending shaving waivers for razor bumps. Marines whose condition doesn’t improve may face discharge. Ignoring medical realities that disproportionately affect Black service members is institutional bias in uniform. https://t.co/ZmYUpPdOyU

— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) June 20, 2025