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- lawmaker has called on the Pentagon to rethink a proposed uniform policy that would require all service members to shave their beards, warning that such a mandate could exclude devout Sikhs and other Americans whose faith or medical conditions require them to maintain facial hair.
- He added that for many Muslim men, keeping a beard is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah — a deeply recommended religious practice symbolizing modesty and devotion to God.
- Likewise, he noted that hair holds deep cultural significance for many African Americans and that shaving can lead to pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a painful skin condition that disproportionately affects Black service members.
A prominent U.S. lawmaker has called on the Pentagon to rethink a proposed uniform policy that would require all service members to shave their beards, warning that such a mandate could exclude devout Sikhs and other Americans whose faith or medical conditions require them to maintain facial hair.
In a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi of New York’s 3rd Congressional District urged the Department of War to preserve religious and cultural accommodations long recognized under U.S. law.
“For Sikhs, serving one’s nation is a sacred duty — an embodiment of the Sant-Sipahi (saint-soldier) ideal that blends faith and service,” Suozzi wrote. “The Sikh religion requires adherents to maintain uncut hair and beards as a symbol of devotion and equality before God.”
Suozzi’s appeal comes after Hegseth reportedly told senior military leaders last month that “the era of unprofessional appearance is over,” declaring that troops would “cut our hair, shave our beards, and adhere to standards.” His comments sparked concern among minority faith groups and civil rights advocates.
Faith, Culture, and Service
The congressman emphasized that Sikhs have a long record of service alongside U.S. forces — including during both World Wars — and said that military professionalism should not come at the expense of religious freedom.
“Faith-based or medical accommodations should not be overlooked,” Suozzi said, noting that some of his Sikh, Muslim, and African American constituents fear the proposed “beard ban” could prevent them from serving their country.
He added that for many Muslim men, keeping a beard is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah — a deeply recommended religious practice symbolizing modesty and devotion to God. Likewise, he noted that hair holds deep cultural significance for many African Americans and that shaving can lead to pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a painful skin condition that disproportionately affects Black service members.
Balancing Standards and Rights
Suozzi argued that maintaining uniform standards and respecting individual rights are not mutually exclusive. “It is entirely possible to uphold the highest standards while also preserving reasonable, case-by-case accommodations,” he said. “Those willing to serve should not be forced to choose between faith and country.”
He pointed to existing protections under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which requires the government to avoid imposing substantial burdens on religious exercise unless absolutely necessary.
“I am confident your Department can continue maintaining discipline and professionalism while preserving these longstanding accommodations,” Suozzi wrote. “A balanced approach will ensure that those who are both patriotic and devout can continue to serve honorably.”
A Broader Call for Inclusion
The letter coincides with Suozzi’s introduction of the Bipartisan Indian American Heritage Resolution, co-sponsored with Republican Congresswoman Young Kim of California. The resolution celebrates the contributions of Indian Americans and condemns acts of hate and discrimination against South Asian communities.
“Indian Americans are an integral part of our community in Southern California and across the United States,” Kim said. “Their success stories reflect the very best of the American Dream.”
Introduced in time for Diwali, the resolution honors the achievements of Indian Americans and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
