From Beards To Bias: How Neutral Rules Mask Racism

[Tony]

Black men are more prone to pseudofolliculitis barbae, a skin condition that leads to itching, inflammation, keloids and an increased likelihood of scarring, according to research. A seemingly neutral policy that requires military members to be clean-shaven has a disproportionately negative impact on Black men, leading to disparate impact, a legal term to describe when a neutral policy causes harm to a protected class of people.

In addition to Black men being harmed by this new policy, it could also lead to religious discrimination. According to some reports, for Muslims, Sikhs, Rastafarians, the Amish, and Orthodox Jews, there may be restrictions around shaving one’s beard. A no-beard policy may unfairly impact those who are part of some religious groups.