Why Folks Think This New U.S. Marines Policy is Trying to Keep Black Men Out of the Corps

The United States Marine Corps has officially ended a decades-long policy, leaving many Black men vulnerable and experts questioning racist intent. Back in March, the Marine administration gave soldiers 90 days to be reexamined. Now, the deadline is here.

It’s no secret solders in the military have to abide by strict grooming policies. All male service members are expected to be clean-shaven, with exceptions being made in the Marines for men suffering from various skin conditions, according to the Marine Corps Times. This so-called “shaving waiver” was introduced in the ’70s, and until right now, there’s been no discrepancies. But after the Pentagon’s recent review of grooming standards, things have changed.

In a directive issued in March, soldiers suffering from skin conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) will no longer be eligible for waivers, Stars and Stripes reported. And if they fail to meet grooming standards, they could be subjected to expulsion.

The move drew direct pushback from dermatologists who say Black men will disproportionately be affected by the new policy. “This is so targeted and intentional,” said Chris Adigun, a board-certified dermatologist based in North Carolina told NBC News.

PFB — commonly known as razor bumps — affects around 60 percent of Black men, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. For men with thick, curly facial hair, razor bumps can cause severe discomfort and can negatively affect one’s health and confidence.

Service members with PFB were required to have a medical exam within 90 days of the March announcement, this marks June as the deadline month. If their condition doesn’t improve with a treatment plan, soldiers could be “honorably discharged,” according to Jacoby Getty, a spokesperson for the Corps’ Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

The Pentagon’s review comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s blitz on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Many folks like Air Force veteran Ed Anderson told NBC the grooming policy will likely change racial relations in the military.

“It’s mostly soldiers of color who are impacted by this,” he said. “I don’t see this as a productive and effective means of retaining and recruiting troops.”