US lawmaker urges Pentagon to reconsider beard-shaving policy for Sikhs

Highlighting concerns for Sikh Americans serving in the US military, Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi has urged the Pentagon to reconsider its policy mandating that service members shave their beards, emphasizing that maintaining uncut hair and a beard is a central tenet of Sikh faith.

In a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Suozzi noted that Sikhs have served alongside American troops for generations, including in both World War I and World War II. “For Sikhs, serving one’s nation is a sacred duty, embodying the Sant-Sipahi (saint-soldier) ideal that blends faith and service. The Sikh religion requires adherents to maintain uncut hair and beards as a symbol of devotion and equality before God,” he wrote.

While acknowledging the importance of military professionalism and uniform standards, Suozzi stressed that faith-based and medical accommodations must not be overlooked. He warned that a strict “beard ban,” if enforced without exemptions, could inadvertently prevent some Americans, particularly Sikh, Muslim, and African American service members, from serving.

Last month, addressing American generals and flag officers, Hegseth 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.” Suozzi said such remarks have raised concerns among otherwise “highly motivated” personnel whose faith or medical conditions require facial hair.

“I believe it is entirely possible to uphold the highest standards while preserving reasonable, case-by-case accommodations, allowing those willing to serve to do so without compromising their deeply held beliefs,” Suozzi said.

He pointed out that for many Muslim men, maintaining a beard is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, a deeply recommended religious practice symbolizing modesty and devotion to God. For many African Americans, hair is closely tied to cultural identity and heritage. Additionally, he noted, shaving can lead to pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a chronic and painful skin condition disproportionately affecting Black service members, who make up nearly one-fifth of all enlisted personnel.

Suozzi cited existing legal protections, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which allow the military to balance appearance standards with religious and medical accommodations. “I am confident your Department can maintain the high standards of discipline while preserving these longstanding accommodations, ensuring that patriotic and devout Americans can serve honorably without choosing between faith and country,” he said.

Suozzi’s appeal coincides with the introduction of the Bipartisan Indian American Heritage Resolution, which he co-sponsored with Republican Young Kim to mark the celebration of Diwali. The resolution honors the contributions of Indian Americans across the US and condemns acts of hate, discrimination, and violence against Indian Americans and the broader South Asian community.

‘Indian Americans are an integral part of our communities in Southern California and nationwide. Their achievements reflect the very best of the American Dream,” Kim said. “I’m proud to stand with the Indian American community as we introduce this resolution just in time for Diwali, celebrating their successes and the values that light the way for our nation.’