A prominent U.S. lawmaker has called on the Pentagon to reconsider its universal beard-shaving policy, highlighting significant concerns for Sikh Americans serving in the military. For Sikhs, maintaining uncut hair and a beard is a fundamental principle of their faith, and this mandate directly conflicts with their deeply held beliefs.
In a formal letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi emphasized the historical contributions of Sikh soldiers, who have bravely served alongside American forces for generations, including in pivotal conflicts like World War I and World War II.
The Congressman, representing New York’s 3rd congressional district, explained that for Sikhs, military service is a sacred duty, embodying the ‘Sant-Sipahi’ (saint-soldier) ideal where faith and service intertwine. Their religion specifically mandates maintaining uncut hair and beards as a visible sign of devotion and a commitment to equality before God.
While acknowledging the importance of military professionalism and strict uniform standards, Mr. Suozzi stressed that faith-based and medical accommodations must not be disregarded. He noted that many of his constituents, including Sikh, Muslim, and African American individuals, fear that a blanket ‘beard ban’ without appropriate religious, cultural, or medical exemptions could inadvertently bar them from serving their nation.
These concerns arose following recent remarks by Secretary Hegseth to American general and flag officers, where he stated, ‘We’re going to cut our hair, shave our beards, and adhere to standards… The era of unprofessional appearance is over. No more beardos.’ Mr. Suozzi highlighted that such pronouncements have caused distress among highly motivated Americans whose faith or medical conditions necessitate facial hair.
Suozzi firmly believes that ‘it is entirely possible to uphold the highest standards while also preserving reasonable, case-by-case accommodations — ensuring that those willing to serve can do so without compromising their deeply held beliefs.’
The Congressman further elaborated on the significance of beards for other groups. For many Muslim men, maintaining a beard is a ‘Sunnah Mu’akkadah,’ a highly recommended religious practice signifying modesty and devotion. Similarly, for many African Americans, hair is intrinsically linked to cultural identity and heritage.
He also pointed out the critical medical aspect: shaving can lead to severe skin issues like pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) due to natural hair texture. This chronic and painful condition disproportionately affects Black service members, who constitute nearly one-fifth of all enlisted personnel.
Suozzi contended that existing legal frameworks, such as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), already provide a basis for achieving this crucial balance between military standards and individual rights.
Concluding his appeal, Mr. Suozzi expressed confidence that the Department could ‘continue maintaining the high standards of appearance and discipline… while preserving these longstanding accommodations under RFRA and related Department of War policies.’ He asserted that such a balanced approach would allow patriotic and devout individuals to serve honorably, free from the impossible choice between their faith and their country.
This plea for religious accommodation coincides with another legislative effort by Congressman Suozzi: the Bipartisan Indian American Heritage Resolution, co-sponsored with Republican Young Kim. Introduced last week to coincide with the celebration of Diwali, this resolution acknowledges the rich history and significant contributions of Indian Americans.
According to a press release from Mr. Suozzi’s office, the resolution not only celebrates Indian American history and contributions nationwide but also ‘condemns acts of hate, discrimination and violence against Indian Americans and the broader South Asian community, including those targeted for their Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Muslim, or other religious or cultural identity.’
Representative Kim of California’s 40th congressional district affirmed, ‘Indian Americans are an integral part of our community in Southern California and across the United States. Their success stories reflect the very best of the American Dream.’
She concluded, ‘I’m proud to stand with the Indian American community as we introduce this resolution just in time for Diwali, a moment to honour their achievements and the values that light the way for our nation.’”