By Lexx Thornton
A newly updated Marine Corps grooming policy is under fire and many believe it’s a direct blowtowards Black male service members. For years, Black Marines who suffer frompseudofolliculitis barbe (PSB), a painful skin condition more commonly known as razor bumps,were granted medical shaving waivers. The condition affects up to 60% of Black men, making shaving not only uncomfortable but also medically harmful.
As of March, that waiver is no longer a guarantee. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hasaggressively pushed President Donald Trump’s agenda to end diversity, equity, and inclusionpolicies, calling DEI and“wokeness”a threat to military strength and preparedness.“We’re done with that sh–,”he said earlier this month.
The Black Veterans Project notes that Black service members make up a larger proportion of the military compared to their overall representation in the civilian population. Therefore, the new policy on PFB creates“unnecessary barriers to service for Black Marines and poses its own threat to military readiness that outweighs any concern around grooming standards,”said Bibby.
“These medical waivers have existed for decades without compromising mission effectiveness and the military routinely relaxes grooming standards for operational needs,”he added.“Threatening administrative separation for Marines needing longer-term medical waivers revealsthe true intent: forcing Black Marines out of service for conditions beyond their control.”