Controversial new military policy could force Black Marines out of service over a skin condition that disproportionately affects them—raising serious concerns about racial bias in Donald Trump’s administration.
The policy, which targets Marines with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB)—commonly known as razor bumps—requires affected members to undergo a strict medical evaluation. If the condition doesn’t resolve within a set timeframe, they could face dismissal from the military. This rule, seen by many as discriminatory, could disproportionately impact Black men, who are far more likely to develop the condition due to the natural curl pattern of their hair.
A Policy with Racial Undertones?
Trump’s history of implementing policies that negatively impact minorities is well-documented. His administration has rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ramped up deportations primarily targeting people of color, and now, this latest move appears to be yet another attack on Black men in the military.
The Marine Corps Times reports that the new policy mandates that any Marine diagnosed with PFB must undergo a medical reevaluation within 90 days. If the condition persists beyond a certain period, their military career could be in jeopardy. PFB is a chronic condition that worsens with frequent shaving, often leading to painful, inflamed bumps and scarring—something the military’s grooming standards exacerbate.
The “Fix” That Could Cost Marines Their Jobs
The new policy outlines a four-step treatment plan for affected Marines:
Step 1: Marines with PFB must stop shaving for four weeks to allow the condition to improve.
Step 2: If symptoms persist, an additional four weeks of no shaving is allowed, with the possibility of using hair removal treatments.
Step 3: If the condition still doesn’t improve, another four-week extension is granted.
Step 4: Those who fail to recover are referred to a dermatologist for possible government-funded laser therapy.
However, if a Marine requires a shaving waiver for more than a year, they may be removed from service altogether. Critics argue this policy sets an unrealistic standard for a medical condition that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all cure, making it an indirect method of purging Black Marines from the military.
Veterans and Activists Call Out the Discrimination
Many veterans and civil rights advocates are calling out the policy as a thinly veiled attempt to push Black servicemen out of the armed forces. Social media has erupted with accusations of racial bias, with some arguing that the administration is using grooming standards as an excuse for targeted discrimination.
With Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leading a review of military grooming standards, the administration claims this policy is about maintaining “warfighting readiness.” But for many, the message is clear: this is another strategic move by Trump’s government to sideline Black men in America’s military.
Is this about discipline, or something far more sinister? The debate continues as outrage grows over the latest move from Trump’s White House.
