A new policy from the U.S. Marine Corps has Black service members sounding the alarm. Marines diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae—aka razor bumps—are now being told they could be discharged if their condition doesn’t improve in a year. And let’s be clear: up to 60% of Black men get razor bumps. So yes, this policy hits them the hardest.
Back in the day, if a Marine had PFB, they could get a long-term waiver and avoid shaving to protect their skin. That policy changed in 2022, but now it’s gone even further. Under this new rule, a Marine has 90 days to get treatment and just one year to show progress. If not, their commanding officer could boot them out of the Corps.
The move is being called discriminatory by both military insiders and dermatologists.
And while the military claims that shaving is important for gas mask safety, science says otherwise. Studies have shown even short beards can pass gas mask tests—so that excuse isn’t holding much weight.
Black Marines make up 18% of the Corps, and this policy could affect a lot of careers. What’s worse? Marines with PFB aren’t even counted in the data. The branch doesn’t track who has waivers, and it doesn’t break down how many members are impacted racially either.
To make things even more complicated, the Air Force recently changed their policy on shaving waivers too—adding to fears that more branches might start cracking down. That means Black service members across the military could soon be dealing with the same threat: shave and hurt your skin, or risk losing your career.
This policy shift comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called for a full review of military fitness and grooming standards. But to many, it just feels like another quiet rollback on diversity—and another door closing on Black Americans trying to serve their country.
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