Rep. Johnson leads letter against ‘discriminatory’ military hair policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel signed by eight of his colleagues urging him to reconsider a recently updated United States Army’s regulations concerning acceptable hair styles for women of color.

The new regulations prohibit dreadlocks “against the scalp or free-hanging” and “unkempt” or “matted” braids and cornrows. Though the policy applies to all soldiers, the use of these words furthers an offensive and biased perception that hair is “natural,” or not straightened with heat or chemicals, is somehow unruly, and must be carefully regulated.

“While we await the outcome of the review, we strongly encourage you to reconsider the updated regulation, and to include affected populations in the development of any new standards moving forward,” said Johnson. “All Americans must feel welcome in the Armed Forces. This updated regulation is offensive, biased, and divisive to thousands of our service members. In a time when budget cuts mean that the Armed Forces must do more with less, Department officials should look for ways to increase morale and unity as opposed to unnecessary and divisive policies that distract from the core mission of protecting our freedom and our country.”

###