3 ms·

The consistent focus of form over substance is wearying.

• eesmith 1y ago
  The substance is to reduce the number of Black men in the military. "A common reason for medical waivers is pseudofolliculitis barbae, or razor bumps, a condition caused by curly hairs growing back into the skin. It disproportionately affects Black men and is associated with frequent shaving." - https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-09-16/pentagon-limits-medical-shaving-waivers-19111274.html https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-09-16/pentagon-limi... "About 60% of Black men are affected by the condition, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology" - https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/09/15/troops-with-medical-shaving-waivers-to-face-separation-hegseth-says/ https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/09/15/... Requiring employees to be clean-shaven is also on the EEOC guidelines at https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/section-15-race-and-color-discrimination#VIIB5 https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/section-15-race-and-color... . It requires a job-related reason consistent with business necessity. (Yes, the military is different than civilian employment. My point is it's a very well know issue.)