Trump's Terms Military members worry new grooming policy will lead to discrimination
Nov 14, 2025
New military grooming standards spark concerns about potential discrimination against religious and racial groups. The discussion highlights Secretary Hegseth's controversial stance on beards, with servicemembers voicing their apprehensions. Health issues like pseudofolliculitis barbae are examined, particularly as they affect Black men. There's fear among military personnel about possible discharges for not conforming. Additionally, the impact of 2020 policy changes allowing beards for religious reasons is explored.
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Grooming Rules Could Disproportionately Harm Some
- New Pentagon grooming directives focus on clean-shaven standards for men and criticized beards publicly.
- Critics worry this could disproportionately affect groups with medical or religious reasons for beards, especially Black men with skin conditions.
Service Members Show Shaving Injuries
- Sailors and soldiers with pseudofolliculitis barbae posted images of painful ingrown-hair sores after shaving.
- Those posts illustrated how a shave mandate can cause physical harm, especially for Black servicemembers.
2020 Rule Change Expanded Religious Inclusion
- Arthur Zeidman described a policy shift in 2020 that allowed more beards for chaplains and others for religious reasons.
- He said the change opened military service to observant Jews and Muslim men who previously faced barriers.