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TwitterTell Congress To Stop Discrimination Against Natural Black Hair
840 People Have Sent 1,961 Letters and Emails
Sign the Petition
Some recent comments: these messages are published with permission of the signer.
Total Signers: 840 View More: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Total Signers: 840 View More: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Sign the Petition
Petition created by Treasured Locks
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Thu., Nov. 15, 2007 6:34 PM link Autumn D. | Laurel, MD
I am signing this petition because I am as well an African American woman in the United States Air Force with Locs. I have not been discriminated on because of my hairstyle but I have friends and know of other women in the military like Kim who have. I have been fortunate to work for people whom do not consider my hair style non-professional. I do think this is a very grave manner in discrimination and I feel as though it should be addressed as such.
African-American women in the Air Force have been wearing their hair in a "locked" style for years now and for the Air Force regulations to change over night and to force African-American women to cut their hair or be discharged is unnacceptable.
I agree that this needs to be looked into deeply and not just based off of how a person who makes these regulations feel about dreadlocks without them knowing the history and true definition of dreadlocks.
Thank you for your time.
United States Air Force Staff Sergeant
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Thu., Nov. 15, 2007 10:02 PM link Tameika W. | Bossier City, LA
Fri., Nov. 16, 2007 6:51 AM link Brian S. | West Chester, OH
I am concerned that this code is discriminatory, unnecessary and apparently is being enforced unevenly. I feel that the recent addition of the ban on "dreadlocks" serves no good purpose. Dreadlocks that are too "faddish" and that are not professional are already covered in the code. The addition of the ban on dreadlocks (while specifically allowing cornrows and braids) was not a useful addition.
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Sat., Nov. 17, 2007 6:15 AM link kimberly a. | Winston Salem, NC
I am the one that is currently being put on the chopping block because of my hair style. i have served my country proudly with 7 years. 4 of those years i wore my hair in it's natural state and that has never hindered my job performance in anyway. i served 4 years on Andrews Air Force base honor guard, i was also sent to the AOR in support of Operation Enduring Freedom doing special operations as a radio communications specialist. I also received distinguished graduate upon completion of Airman Leadership School, and am currently the NCOIC of Information Systems management team. I am proud of being an Airman but sadden at the same time. for years I prided myself for being in the Air Force and what we stand and fight for, and that's freedom. but now, i am being treated like an out cast because of a change in AFI regulation (AFI 26-2903) that states "dreadlocks are not allowed in uniform". i have never had dreadlocks but wear my hair in natural twist, also referred to as locs or African twist, which are very different from dreadlocks. i keep my hair in a professional manner in which it is neatly pulled back in a bun as do many other woman with hair of my length. I have proven that I don’t have dreadlocks by getting letters for hair care specialist stating that I don’t have dreadlocks across the world, but that has not been enough. i have been ridiculed, and picked on. I am made to feel like I am a walking talking example of non-conformance to military standard. but I was once good enough to serve and be an example to other's of what a determine young black woman can do to support her country. Help me, by making a change to this AFI 26-2903. Once afro’s were not allowed in uniform because some people believed it looked unprofessional. Then cornrows were not allowed in uniform because of the same reason. Dreadlocks are not allowed in uniform, and even though I don’t have dreadlocks I am no longer allowed in uniform because people have a misperception about my locs that are not faddish but are professional.
I cry not because of the fear of a dishonorable discharge, but for the dishonor that the Air Force, my Commander, and my First Sergeant has done towards what we fight for. Because of ignorant belief and ignorant thinking, a lot of black women have be silently cornered and forced to shave there heads in fear of court marshals. I cry because I love what i stand for...so why won't it stand for me? belief is something that service men and women hold in high regards because it something that we die for. Belief is also the reason why blacks were not initially allowed to serve the country, because once upon a time people believed that African Americans were inferior to Whites Americans and were not worthy to be among those in uniform. but with time, change comes...and when change comes, I hope ignorant belief will be shown in a different light. a light that can improve all the imperfections of insecurity, prejudice and discrimination. I am an airman, asking you to believe in me.
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Sat., Nov. 17, 2007 2:18 PM link Melinda P. | Greenwich, CT
Thank you for your immediate action.
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Mon., Nov. 19, 2007 9:32 AM link DelJuana E. | Houston, TX
The world needs to understand that African American women can not where their hair in the same way that our European sisters do. The texture is very different and therefore means that we must wear our hair in a style that is suitable for our hair texture, and at the same time it can look professional.
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Mon., Nov. 19, 2007 8:42 PM link sarah s. | chicago, IL
In this day and age, with so many looming problems in our society, anyone brave enough to serve this country and to do so for seven years, should not be threatened with a discharge over hair issues. This was almost comical as I read it. She is a lovely looking and PROFESSIONAL looking woman! As usual, there are so many things that need to be brought to the publics' attention. What a sexist, outlandish, and dare I say discriminatory regulation. What about caucasian women who have naturally wavy hair??? Please, this is 2007, women have struggled and fought long and hard for civil rights and liberities. This may seem a "silly" issue to men or whomever, but a woman's career is in peril. As a country, we can do better than this. Lets walk the walk. Stand up for our own. Every nation in the world looks at us and this is how we reward people who volunteer to protect our freedom!!! Beauty and professional appearance have many different faces, let's embrace them all. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter. I love my country and am proud of everyone who makes it the wonderful place it is.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 7:19 AM link Jeffrey H. | Dallas, TX
I am requesting that you direct a memeber of your staff to contact the Air Force "Social Actions" division and ask if the Air Force distinguishes between cornrows and dreadlocks. The young female Airman is not wearing dreadlocks, however, she is in danger of a punitive discharge due to her commander's interpretation. It is possible that the commander is being advised incorrectly. Please help.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 7:27 AM link Kim S. | Baltimore, MD
Dear Congress,
It is not fair or just to discriminate against a person with neat, clean and natural hair of any sort. It is not the govenments place to judge a black woman's natural hair. If you discriminate against a black woman for her natural hair then the world may need to discriminate against white people for their whiteness or lack of pigmentation in comparison to every other race on the planet. It is not in our best interest to perm or straighten our hair no more than it is for you to lay out in the sun to get some color for your pale skin. I ask you to stop discriminating against black women for their hair. By Gods will you can not in good conscious continue to dismiss this issue any longer.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 7:30 AM link Jacqueline K. | Neptune, NJ
What is this world coming to when neat elegant hair is an issue.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 7:46 AM link Anoa C. | Morgantown, WV
This regulation is complete with inappropriate cultural assumptions, and a lack of understanding about what constitutes professional appearance. Furthermore, banning (or limiting) the way in which Black women may wear their hair reinforces long held standards of beauty and acceptableness. It is disheartening that in 2007 black women are under attack, when they are laying the lives on the line in service of this country. Preventing a person's choice to wear their hair in a natural style is archaic and ignorant. What makes locks unprofessional, or inappropriate? Stop letting generic stereotypes dictate policy.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 7:59 AM link Suki T. | Clemmons, NC
This is unlawful discrimination.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:02 AM link Edwina M. | Owings, MD
I think its a shame that she has to find another alternative for her hair because u consider them dredlocks. In the African American community we consider them cornrolls. Why should she have to go around looking a mess or having her hair in a ponytail all the time which breaks the hair off even more and it even seems to me that u are discriminating because there are different terminologies to our hair. She looks very professional and presentable and if this girl has chosen to serve her country with her whole heart and it woud be a sad shame to make her take them, u out would be a dishonarble discharge in her heart for our country.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:04 AM link Maxine S. | Joliet, IL
Please, Please Stop the Discrimination Against Natural Black Hair.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:07 AM link Dana H. | Herndon, VA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:10 AM link Dana G. | Los Angeles, CA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:11 AM link Omozele O. | Hampton, VA
I am appalled at this kind of situation, the code clearly states that the hair should be worn in a neat and professional manner and the woman in question has done just that.. What do you people want, is it not bad enough that your fathers took us from our land and stripped us of everything that we are and we believe in, we connect to our roots with our kinky hair , it is who we are, the reminants of what your fathers have taken from us yet you continue to hold us back and stomp out what makes me true to myself and my identity. In the words of India Aire, "I am not my hair" DO NOT JUDGE ME ON THE TEXTURE OF MY HAIR.
The lady has put in 7years of her life serving the country and she is going to be discharged because her hair is neat and professional, I dont want my hair straight and silky like caucasian hair, does that make me less of a human being, I AM BLACK AND PROUD SO IS MY HAIR...
Please focus on bringing the troops home and on justice and equality and drop this charade of nonesense..
If you do not understand black hair, consult all the numrous Black hair dressers in the United states and ask for a directory of hair styles, clearly there is a difference between DREADLOCKS, LOCKS AND CORNROWS which are tight 3 strand locks held together on the head..
peace!
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:16 AM link Ralph C. | Memphis, TN
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:18 AM link Theresa L. | Pontiac, MI
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:27 AM link DWAYNE H. | Worcester, MA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 8:29 AM link Sherrell B. | Schaumburg, IL
To the Air Force- please stop being so ignorant and close minded. Try looking up African American heritage and maybe you will understand the many different hairstyles and the difference between dreadlocks and neatly coiled locks of natural hair.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:01 AM link Ada C. | Chicago, IL
Assuring that everyone's hair is neat and clean is as far as any commander should go when addressing a person's grooming techniques. Threatening to discharge someone because you don't understand their hair texture and heritage is very obsurd.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:02 AM link Ada C. | Chicago, IL
Assuring that everyone's hair is neat and clean is as far as any commander should go when addressing a person's grooming techniques. Threatening to discharge someone because you don't understand their hair texture and heritage is very obsurd.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:03 AM link Nikkia C. | KING GEORGE, VA
This is becoming an outrage! People are still trying to find way to discriminate against African Americans. When I was in the Air Force, your hair needed to be in a hair style that was above the shoulder and neat and the styles African American women use for their natural hair are comform to that rule. Please end the descrimination! Diversity is what makes this country great. Let's keep it that way!
Peace and Blessings!
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:04 AM link Drena J. | Norcross, GA
This is such a shame!!!
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:13 AM link v f. | Washington, DC
I cannot believe that so much discrimanation is going on in the world today. This is something that happened years ago. Now we know by the action of so many people it never died. Today is living proof blacks aren't recognized by the good things they do, they are recognized according to what the white man want them to be and look. There is nothing wrong with cornrows. The military is willing to give Kim a dishonorable discharge, why? I really think the military need to define cornrows and dreadlocs. I had dread locs for 8 years. Dreadlocs is a hair style once twisted the hair come together where it can not be brushed or combed. Cornrows you can take the hair apart to comb or brush. If you really know God he never had straight hair so why be so quick to judge.
As long as Kim can perform her job as a military personnel she shouldn't be judged by her hair. It is time for racism to stop. First it was the crosses being burned, then came the nooses. If the military want to do so much then HELP BRING OUR TROOPS HOME instead of wasting time because of a hair style. Maybe the commander in charge shouldn't be where they are if their focus is so much on Kim's hair.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:14 AM link DaShonna A. | Lansing, MI
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:21 AM link zalika l. | indianapolis, IN
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:21 AM link keisha h. | Philadelphia, PA
In GOD site everybody is one color!! GOD is the #1 judge over all and he judges the HEART!! He is not concern about the appearance of a person and believe me GOD already judge the HEART and he is not pleased!!! In Jesus name let GOD will be done!!!
Since everybody have so much to say about the way a person looks please read
Matthew 7:1-5 and for all those educated people with degrees it's in the HOLY BIBLE!!!
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:22 AM link Rhonda K. | Sarasota, FL
I am a white woman with dreads. I have even had black women tell me to wear a wig to get a better job because you're dealing with "old white men." I cannot wash my hair out. I would have to shave it to one inch of my head. I am a librarian. I wear my dreads in a bun and am careful to maintain them. A natural hairstyle cuts back on the need for harsh chemical processes, excess water and hair products. I dreaded my hair when I went to live on a boat for a year. If you understand the hairstyle at all, you might wish for the entire army to have dreads or natural hair. It is similar to a close shave. Low maintenance. You can tie it into itself. It needs nothing. And in the winter, it is a fantastic heat containing device.
Here you may be laughing, but seriously, this young lady is a fine example of who you should wish to be in the army. This is a serious issue of discrimination over something pretty provencial and terrifically embarrassing in the type of world we live in today. You've crossed a serious line in terms of race and gender.
I suggest a graceful measured respectful retreat.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:45 AM link Chisma G. | College Park, GA
The time that the highly, elected government officials spend on writing laws about neat, clean, and professional hairstyles could be spent on issues such as how do we improve on economy, how do we keep our troops who come home from Iraq from being homeless, and how can we learn to better understand the cultures within America itself.
When people do not understand something that is not in their own culture, they make laws to ban that which they fear.
Ignorance breeds ignorance.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:47 AM link Chisma G. | College Park, GA
The time that the highly, elected government officials spend on creating laws to control things such as neat, clean, and professional hairstyles could be spent on issues such as how do we improve on economy, how do we keep our troops who come home from Iraq from being homeless, and how can we learn to better understand the cultures within America itself.
When people do not understand something that is not in their own culture, they make laws to ban that which they fear.
Ignorance breeds ignorance.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:55 AM link Glenda B. | Middleburg, FL
You may as well tell her (white) counterparts to stop using 'ponytails'. This is a very good way for women of color to put their hair up with the least amount of maintenance, while keeping it neat and presentable. We are not white and should not be judged by white standards - WE HAVE OUR OWN STANDARDS. There is nothing wrong with this young lady's hair.
Thank you.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 10:24 AM link Valerie H. | Temple Hills, MD
How insulting and discriminatory to assume all Black people NEED to look as close to White people as possible by straigtening their hair. Natural Black hair is beautiful and comes in many different styles and textures. Black people deserve equal treatment and deserve to be able to feel proud of themselves and their heritage.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 11:25 AM link Alicia B. | Richmond, CA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 11:26 AM link Phyllis C. | Woodbridge, VA
Dear Congress Person, Just this morning I was thinking how excited my daughter is about becoming eighteen so she can vote. This hair situation is just the right forum for someone young who is facing the task of deciding what should or should not be considered when voting. I would like to add to the above written statement whose topic I consider to be not only and injustice, but a waste of time and energy for those of us who are responding when there are so many other injustices we as citizens of color are facing of more importance. This should not be one of them. this style is very neat, does not endanger her millitary activity, and should be worn with pride. Let';s get it together!!!!
Sincerely,
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 11:27 AM link Lisa W. | Antioch, TN
In December of 2004, I made the decision to wear my hair natural. As a professional with dual masters in Business and Divinity, I am a leader in corporate and religious circles in the Nashville, TN area. If someone would have told me that ethnic and cultural discrimination over my choice to wear my hair natural would still be an issue today, I would have laughed outloud. But I suppose the joke is on me in light of United States Air Force regulation AFI36-2903 DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL code. It grieves me to see the disregard for ethnic and cultural differences and the closed mindedness over (not a moral issue, not an issue of life or death) but hair texture. We have real things we need to be working through and this is not one of them.
Let's do better and rethink the wording and execution of this code and move on to the real work of our military services...protecting & serving.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 11:29 AM link Phyllis C. | Woodbridge, VA
Dear Congress Person, Just this morning I was thinking how excited my daughter is about becoming eighteen so she can vote. This hair situation is just the right forum for someone young who is facing the task of deciding what should or should not be considered when voting. I would like to add to the above written statement whose topic I consider to be not only and injustice, but a waste of time and energy for those of us who are responding when there are so many other injustices we as citizens of color are facing of more importance. This should not be one of them. this style is very neat, does not endanger her millitary activity, and should be worn with pride. Let';s get it together!!!!
Sincerely,
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 11:32 AM link Bryan B. | Penfield, NY
The officers hair looks neat and well groomed. I don't see what is wrong with it.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 11:50 AM link Jessica F. | Oakland, CA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 12:25 PM link Zetta C. | Cincinnati, OH
This is just another case of a certain group of people not accepting the natural beauty of Africans. Some African American women actually embrace the way God made them, in spite of living in a society with European standards of beauty. Locs (which is what most people with "dreadlocks" prefer them to be called) can be styled very neatly and should be able to be worn as long as they do not look unkept.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 12:46 PM link Lisa S. | Cary, NC
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 12:48 PM link Suzanne B. | Brooklyn, NY
I can understand the military asking a man to cut his hair as long hair is not regulation for men in the military regardless of it's style or texture.
That said, having Kim remove her locs (not dreadlocks) is tantamount to asking her to shave her head which, I see in the regulations for Women's Hairstyles to also be not permitted. She cannot simply comb them out! Would they ask a white woman to remove her hair? It is basically saying the same thing! If she wants to keep her hair long and natural, it would become a large afro (much larger than 3 inches) which also would not be regulation. So the poor girl ends up in a catch 22 situation.
Unless of course, she cuts her hair, wears a wig until it is 'regulation length'. Then puts a chemical in her hair to make it straight to comform to caucasian looking hair which IS Highly prejudicial and discriminatory. I think she would have a case against them and the support of a majority of African Americans and Whites that understand these things.
I find this to be pure ignorance on the military's part and hope that they at least try to enlighten themselves and see other cultures and races for what they are.
If they want to recruit African Americans to be a part of this country's military, they need to start accepting our racial differences as also conforming to regulation.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 12:59 PM link Chandra I. | Costa Mesa, CA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 1:12 PM link Charyn M. | Houston, TX
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 1:31 PM link Crushunda J. | Bossier City, LA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 1:35 PM link Timika H. | cincinnati, OH
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 1:38 PM link Donna W. | Grovetown, GA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 2:17 PM link BYRON C. | St. Louis, MO
AS A FORMER AIRMAN I'M OUTRAGED BY THE NONSENSE THAT THE US AIRFORCE IS ENGAGING IN . AS IF THERE ARE NOT MOR IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO. I'M AN HONORABLY DISCHARGED DISABLED VETERAN . IF THIS AIRMAN CA MMAKE IT TO STAFF SEARGENT OBVIOUSLY SHE MUST BE AIRFORCE MATERIAL . LEAVE HER THE HELL ALONE AND LET HER SERVE.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 2:32 PM link Sharon P. | Scottsdale, AZ
How long will the government of the United States allow unfair regulations to discriminate against people of color? It is almost 2008, and the laws and attitudes of our leaders still represent the attitude that "only white is right." Why do you (white lawmakers) continue to lie to us by saying you are not racist when your actions and the direction of the laws you make continue to show that you hate people of color and you believe in your superiority. What makes you believe that you are better/more important? If this were not true, since you are in power, you would work hard to erase the legislations that discriminate against any people of color instead of creating laws that increase hardships for us.
If any of you TRULY believe in God, you must understand that when you diminish someone else, you are slapping God in the face. We were all created by Him. He loves us all equally. He sees us all as beautiful and worthy of love. Who are you to say any different?
P.S. The bible says that whatsoever a man harvests, that shall he also reap. As we know, when you plant one seed, the crop is much greater than the one seed.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 2:52 PM link Monica A. | Indianapolis, IN
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 3:12 PM link Lisa A. | Chicago, IL
To all in Congress,
I want to inform you that most African American girls are being encouraged today to put a chemical in their have to relax it to look like white girls hair. We are the only people that companies target and make damaging hair chemicals for. Our young girls grow up feeling that they must put these poisons in their hair in order to blend in or adjust to white culture. Many of us are against this process for young girls and adult women. This chemical simply breaks off the hair and damage the hair follicles forever. Why would the military want black women to wear their hair unnaturally? This is discriminatory against black women and young black girls. We are simply tired and angry that white people tell us how to manage our hair. Cornrows and locks are clean and neatly kept in good condition. Dread Locks are something of the past. We do not call them dread locks in our communities today. Where did that term come from anyway? I would never encourage my daughters or other family members to seek a career in the military if they are going to be put out of the service for cornrows. White people are able to freely do as they see fit for their hair texture. We ask for the same freedom. We are not dirty and we hate dirty hair. How would white girls feel if they were told by the gracious islanders that they can no longer cornrow their hair on vacation because it is dirty and unkept? They would feel the same way little black girls feel. Our culture is wonderful and beautiful . White and Hispanic boys, girls and adults seem to want to experience our African cornrow beads and locks. This will not go away. We will not let your military service send our women home for wearing cornrows. Please talk to dermatoligest to find out more about how black women are loosing hair due to chemicals. I am a black mother with girls and I am against what the U. S. military is doing. Please reconsider this ban against our natural hair. Lisa Adams
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 3:14 PM link Lisa A. | Chicago, IL
I want to inform you that most African American girls are being encouraged today to put a chemical in their have to relax it to look like white girls hair. We are the only people that companies target and make damaging hair chemicals for. Our young girls grow up feeling that they must put these poisons in their hair in order to blend in or adjust to white culture. Many of us are against this process for young girls and adult women. This chemical simply breaks off the hair and damage the hair follicles forever. Why would the military want black women to wear their hair unnaturally? This is discriminatory against black women and young black girls. We are simply tired and angry that white people tell us how to manage our hair. Cornrows and locks are clean and neatly kept in good condition. Dread Locks are something of the past. We do not call them dread locks in our communities today. Where did that term come from anyway? I would never encourage my daughters or other family members to seek a career in the military if they are going to be put out of the service for cornrows. White people are able to freely do as they see fit for their hair texture. We ask for the same freedom. We are not dirty and we hate dirty hair. How would white girls feel if they were told by the gracious islanders that they can no longer cornrow their hair on vacation because it is dirty and unkept? They would feel the same way little black girls feel. Our culture is wonderful and beautiful . White and Hispanic boys, girls and adults seem to want to experience our African cornrow beads and locks. This will not go away. We will not let your military service send our women home for wearing cornrows. Please talk to dermatoligest to find out more about how black women are loosing hair due to chemicals. I am a black mother with girls and I am against what the U. S. military is doing. Please reconsider this ban against our natural hair.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 3:14 PM link Kim M. | Charlotte, NC
I am shocked that we are still fighting issues like this in 2007. Please don't let a lack of understanding of our culture interrupt the fine work that this young lady is willing to do for our country. Education is a far greater choice than ignorance.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 3:17 PM link Lisa A. | Chicago, IL
I want to inform you that most African American girls are being encouraged today to put a chemical in their have to relax it to look like white girls hair. We are the only people that companies target and make damaging hair chemicals for. Our young girls grow up feeling that they must put these poisons in their hair in order to blend in or adjust to white culture. Many of us are against this process for young girls and adult women. This chemical simply breaks off the hair and damage the hair follicles forever. Why would the military want black women to wear their hair unnaturally? This is discriminatory against black women and young black girls. We are simply tired and angry that white people tell us how to manage our hair.
Cornrows and locks are clean and neatly kept in good condition. Dread Locks are something of the past. We do not call them dread locks in our communities today. Where did that term come from anyway? I would never encourage my daughters or other family members to seek a career in the military if they are going to be put out of the service for cornrows. White people are able to freely do as they see fit for their hair texture. We ask for the same freedom. We are not dirty and we hate dirty hair. How would white girls feel if they were told by the gracious islanders that they can no longer cornrow their hair on vacation because it is dirty and unkept? They would feel the same way little black girls feel. Our culture is wonderful and beautiful . White and Hispanic boys, girls and adults seem to want to experience our African cornrow beads and locks. This will not go away. We will not let your military service send our women home for wearing cornrows. Please talk to dermatoligest to find out more about how black women are loosing hair due to chemicals. I am a black mother with girls and I am against what the U. S. military is doing. Please reconsider this ban against our natural hair.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 3:35 PM link Faatymah K. | Charlotte, NC
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 3:36 PM link CAROLYN P. | San Diego, CA
Locks are not a fad for me. They are my natural hair. I work in a professional capacity and know that I have to appear well groomed. Natural hair styles can be neat and just as professional looking as chemically straightened hair. Banning neat, clean, professional looking natural hair styles is just another way of promoting discrimination.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 5:48 PM link Kimberly S. | Corona, CA
Dear Member of Congress:
It is unfortunate in this day and age to find still find blatant discrimination in our U.S. Armed Forces. It is my understanding that African-American women are denied the right to wear natural hairstyles even though the hairstyles are neat, clean and professional in appearance.
As a voting U.S. citizen, I ask that you look into legislation that discriminates against natural hairstyles often worn by African-American women such as the Air Force's AF136-2903. The loyal citizens that serve this country deserve to be treated equally well on each and every level.
Thank you for acting on behalf of the voters that feel the same way about this subject.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 5:59 PM link Annette R. | Chicago, IL
This is 2007, why cant we all just get along. We are all the same and hair,race and other non-important things should not matter. The only question needed to be answered is Can that person do his or her job. Ms Redmond
Chicago IL
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 6:04 PM link Milton F. | Brooklyn, NY
I agree that this useless law be abolished what purpose does this serve this discrimination must stop has nothing to with her hair if one of their daughters had a cornroll in her hair Im quite sure nothing would be said your serving your country for crying out loud your putting your life on the line every day do you really think the enemy gives a damn about what kind of hair style your wearing he is going to blow your freaking head off so stop this crap Im quite sure congress can think of something else
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 6:37 PM link CASSANDRA A. | Richmond, CA
Dear Senators and U.S. Representatives: The new regulation implemented by the U.S. Air Force to ban one of the most popular african american hairstyles for women (dreadlocks) is utterly ridiculous. What will be next on your agenda (black women must now grow beards to serve their country)? I am appalled at yet another ludicrous decision made by the same people we put in office to represent our country and the people in it, regardless of race, hairstyles, or color. The new regulation made by the Air Force is indeed, a discriminative one and must be reversed. A decision made to ban dreadlocks worn by african american women in the military, especially if they are worn neatly and out of harms way, upsets the entire african american female race. Hail HITLER.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 6:39 PM link Frances S. | Cleveland HEights, OH
When people are willing to serve this country--it seems like a waste of energy and tax payers money to give this young lady a discharge. We spent thousands of dollars training this person and we are going to throw it away because she chooses to wear her hair naturally?Neat, clean and professional that's what should count.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 7:34 PM link Chiquita H. | Redford, MI
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:07 PM link ferri p. | atlantic city, NJ
she has been taken from her family to serve her country is this really the thanks she recieve for doing so by telling her how to wear her hair shame on all of you.
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Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:50 PM link Danielle S. | Vacaville, CA
Tue., Nov. 20, 2007 9:56 PM link Merv G. | New York, NY
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 12:58 AM link regie f. | urbana, IL
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 2:16 AM link Celia C. | ROCHESTER, NY
Not all of us have wash and wear hair. Many black women have to put caustic chemicals in our hair to straighten our hair to meet the white standard. Please allow us with textured hair which is dramatically different than your own to manage our own natural hair. For those of us who serve in the military, as long as our hair is clean, neat, does not interfere with the wearing of our headgear and does not touch the bottom of our collar, why are we being forced to go against our natural texture? Cornrows, extensions, box braids, twists, dreadlocks. Do you really know the difference? What difference does it make as long as they are clean, neat, does not interfere with the wearing of our headgear and does not touch the bottom of our collars. Dreadlocks are not a fad. A white person with locks, now that's a fad! Every service member in the military is a volunteer. How many good potential Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors have you lost due to this regulation that discriminates specifically against African-American females. You are willing to get rid of a good Airman because of her HAIR! Tell a white woman to wear a wig or cut her hair or put chemicals in her overly curly hair to straighten it. That sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Well it is. The regulation in the military overall, not just the Air Force needs to be changed.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 4:53 AM link Karen C. | Oxford, MS
No other group of women are required to choose between cutting their hair or using, what could be considered, dangerous and unhealthy chemicals on their hair to accomodate a prejudicial and unjust view of professionalism. At a time when the FBI has admitted to an increase in hate crimes in this country, the U.S. military should not be seen as contributing to this increase in any way. And this regulation most certainly comes from a place of hate--hate of Black hair at the most and ignorance of Black hair at the very least. It can also be seen as hate against the American Black culture as a whole. So I ask that you please reconsider the U.S. military's stance on professionalism as it pertains to Black hair and send a message that the U.S. military will not participate in the system and attitude of racial hate that is increasing in this country and has unfortunately been so prominent in this country since its inception. Much has been done in this country to decrease forms of hate and prejudice. At a time when the U.S. military needs all the military personnel it can get, I implore you to take a stance and show that the U.S. military will be at the forefront of this country's improvement on racial diversity by rescinding or changing the aforementioned regulation to make a place for all Americans in all their diversity and beauty.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 6:01 AM link India K. | Raytown, MO
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 6:18 AM link Constance Stanley S. | Sunrise, FL
I recently read an article regarding Kim not being allowed to wear her natural hair (not dreadlocks), which is professional and neat in appearnce. I am appaud, being an african-american, with natural hair to witness such descrimination take place. We have suffered greatly and a race and continue to suffer. The texture of our hair is differrent from other races. It is what it is. I would like to know the make-up of the committe who decided on this ruling. One must understand our culture, which includes our hair texture before they come up with a decision (walk in our shoes). I am totally for requiring a neat hairstyle. That should be the case with any hair style regardless of a person's race.
Kim is doing a good deed by serving this country. She has obviuosly been doing an outstanding job if she has been serving this country fro seven years.
In closing, I hope that the plan to give Kim a disohonorable discharge is reconsidered. If it is not, there will be quite a number of unhappy affican-americans, who continue....continue.....continue to be descriminated against.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 6:23 AM link Constance Stanley S. | Sunrise, FL
It has come to my attention that the United States Air Force has a regulation, AFI36-2903 DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL, which in part, discriminates against African-American women serving in the Air Force. The code was recently updated to include a bans on a common natural African-American hairstyle, which the Air Force has called "dreadlocks". Female personnel with neat, clean, professional well-kept hair are being forced to choose between cutting their hair and treating it with chemicals to conform with this regulation which I feel unfairly and unnecessarily discriminates against African-Americans. The regulation itself does not define "dreadlocks". This leaves women with hair that is in no means a distraction or a detriment to their duties, subject to disciplinary action.
While it is certainly reasonable that the Air Force require its personnel to wear their hair in a neat and professional manner, blanket regulations against a loosely defined manner of wearing the hair is causing undue hardship on a number of women in the Air Force. There appears to be an ignorance of the needs of African-American hair and what can be done in the way of styling the hair without either cutting it off or subjecting the hair to chemicals. Wearing the hair in a "locked" style is the only way many African-American women can wear their hair, with any length, and without having to chemically treat it or wear a wig. As long as the styles are neat, professional looking, not distracting and not hindering their ability to perform their duty, there is no reason the Air Force should require women to change their hair styles. I think the code was fine before the addition of the ban on "dreadlocks" and the addition of that ban is unnecessary. The code already states that hairstyles cannot be "faddish" and must be professional. Locked hair is not necessarily faddish nor is it necessarily unprofessional.
I would like to request that you look into this regulation and ask the Air Force to reconsider the ban of neat, clean and professional hairstyles worn by African-American women.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 6:24 AM link Dani D. | Washington, DC
I love my natural hair. I am chemically senstive and have losted my hair a number of times trying to go straight. If took loosing my of hair to realized that my hair is as God wants it and I am not changing it ever again. If I want straight hair I have to wear a wig, but most of the time I want to be me. I am not ashamed of my hair and it does not interfer with my doing my job. White Amercia does not have the right to determine how we as a people should wear our hair. The texture of my hair dictates that. I love myself and my appearance is too important to let my hair look anything but neat and clean.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 7:23 AM link E J. | Cincinnati, OH
African American people throughout history have been forced to copy or follow the ways that SOME caucasions believe how we should look, act etc. Since then we have denied our own style chemically straightening our hair to, adding false hair etc so we can be accepted or follow the trend of what american believes we should look like. I believe as long as you our professional and neat you should be able to wear your hair anyway that you want. Everyone is not supposed to look like everyone else. That's why we are different!!!!!!!! I myself keeps my hair naturally curly and love it!!!!! Denying our way of style is denying our culture as well as some peoples' religion. It's just goes to show that things haven't changed for some people.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 8:34 AM link Shannon C. | Cary, NC
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 9:01 AM link Lorna C. D. | Bridgeport, CT
I am sick of our government telling black woman how to wear their hair. I am an honerable discharged Navy Corpsman and I had braids in my hair that cost me a lot of money. I served in the Navy in 1981-1985. When I wore my braids to work I was told to take them out because they were not military standards. Honestly without the braids my hair was a hot mess. Most of us with braids and locks and other natural styles have nice neat clean hair that will not disgrace the uniform and they will be showing the diversity that america claims to have. Wearing the styles like the ones I named up above will not stop or start a war. It will let others know that it will be fine to be yourself and still remain military minded. Some woman may still want to remain in the military because they don't have to change their hair styles. I still don't like that people can judge another person about how to wear their hair if it is neat and clean. I have a lot more to say but I am keeping this short.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 9:12 AM link Michele V. | Monroe, WA
With our world getting smaller through the internet and other means, we have to be more open to other cultures. People look different, eat different, think different, etc. There's no reason in the world to discriminate against natural hair of people with African ancestry. You might not understand it, but please come into the 21st century and accept it.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 9:19 AM link Denise G. | Macungie, PA
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 9:39 AM link Barbara J. | San Diego, CA
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 11:13 AM link Whitney J. | Houston, TX
Are you not embarrased? The shame of this discharge should be overwhelming for any person involved in our national government.
This small act of destroying a single person's career (solely because of her nappy black head) should resound through all of our conciousness'. You individually just as myself, are personally accountable for this grave misstep in our military policy (just as your vote and mine are responsible for the current state of unrest within and without this country caused by United States policy). There is no other view for the ethical and moral citizen than complete accountability.
The White Privelage in the United States has been the rule since before this country's government has even begun. Blame games are worthless. Each of us is responsible for the sick policies which have built this slave-state, the United States. This is a movement to correct the racist assumptions of millions of Americans white and of color that have been held religiously for hundreds of years concerning black hair and culture in general. Just as she cannot remove the brown from her skin, she cannot change her nappy coarse West African hair texture, but she has taken large steps to remain clean and uniform in compared to her fellow AirForce participants. Just as different rules must be made for men and women in service because of fundamental disparities in experience, the same must be made for certain physical characteristics. This dischrage is sending a very strong message. "If you ARE A BLACK WOMAN OR MAN WITH BLACK HAIR YOU MUST CHEMICALLY ALTER AND DESTROY IT OR MUST MUST SHAVE YOUR HEAD TO ADHERE TO WHITE AMERICAN STATUS QUO AND RACE COMFORT LEVEL."
One can be black as long as like "Condi" Rice one wears his or her hair in unnatural mutated and unhealthy forms that are deem acceptable by the white ruling class. Relaxed, permed or chemically altered hair is a pervasion of nature, it is unhealthy and it cannot be forced on any citizen. "Black is ok to die, just not too black while living", says this order. "Haven't we given you people enough?" is the sad refrain.
Is this your opinion, because if you lazily or thoughtlessly do not fight it, you have made it so. Is this how feel about the black American population that has over many generations created this nation's infrastructure by pure physical strain. If it is, you have a long road to recover from your racist cripple, if not, you must demand change from your fellow representatives and senators, which might create change at a level of national policy. The choice is personal, and if individuals choose not to act for their country's improvement, nations crumble; disintigrating into inaction. The United States has never given enough and its takes daily. Prison populations are enough to make that clear. As white soldiers by mainstream culturally support may wear their hair naturally at every stage and position with only length resrictions, black members must be allowed the same. If not, it is clear and dangerous preference for white hair and white styles. This is allowable (though regrettable) for Pantene Pro-V and Finesse, but not for the United States Armed Forces. If this country fails to meet head on its deep and damaging racism, gang wars and race violence will escalate with every passing year and decade until civil wars are inevitable. To be an effective Union, all citizens must feel protected and supported, if not the concept of nation is completely null.
This must stop here. Each person has accountability for every discharge, every United States injustice. If you have claimed ignorance of our history and acts, you cannot now. Avoidance and denial has built the present state of racism, classism and the policy of imperialistic ethnocentric violence. The sins of this country keep me awake some nights, and as a national representative, if you sleep well, this nation's government is more of a failure than i have ever thought possible. Your personal action is proof that this nation is not a backward racist failure and economic tryant. This nation has power beyond military might and violent apartheid and gag rule policies. That strength is in your two hands.
If you do not claim it, it is a complete avoidance of ethical action, and failure on your part to sustain right policy. If you sleep well each night living in non-action and denial, you deserve the worst fate given to traitors of the American philosophy of personal freedom. A worthless live ensnared by shame, guilt and corruption. No exagerrations. This is really that serious because each act of government colors the subsequent and mold's the future US history. Let this be an era of not stagnation and very questionable morality as it has been, but national idealogic change. If not, it is my fault, and its most certainly yours and every one of your colleagues personal failure. ball's in your court-
Your action from current government/ military policy and letters like this certainly affect my personal vote and the vote of everyone I know. I am very involved in the arts system in Houston. I am also a school teacher who has the ear of every parent I know. I am a University student who exploits avenues of petition and speaking on campus. My economic stake and that of everyone i know also counts as election cost. I am an average citizen who is determined to destroy the political career through any means necessary of anyone who cowardly hiding behind their white skin (or brown), their class and their reputation or career refuses to take ethical action.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 12:29 PM link Mary W. | Charlotte, NC
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 2:06 PM link Wanda S. | Los Angeles, CA
First of all Kim's hair is not in a dread lock style, second of all her hair is hyper neat. It will not become untidy at any point in time, hat on hat off, helmet on helmet off. There is no reason that this hair style should be a problem for the military, or any work place.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 2:10 PM link Yvonne M. | San Diego, CA
when you are in the millitary away from hair care salons, upkeeping the hair in a NATURAL way is the best method for keeping the hair neat and manageable. for centuries, people of african descent have styled the hair into various twists and braids in order to manage the hair. the hair curls naturally. a twist or a braid is the best way to keep the hair neat and well-kept.
it is ignorance to ban dreadlocks, cornrows, twists, or braids. some people who wear dreadlocks do not keep them orderly and clean - this is true. however, the true, natural way to wear dreadlocks is to keep them clean, grease-free, and lint free without tangled/snarled hair appearing all over the place. most black people's hair NATURALLY will lock into this popular twisted style.
dreadlocks are DIFFERENT from cornrows. cornrows are braids that are plaited close to the scalp, so that the hair stays in place without flying away nito the face, or getting tangled.
braids are another way of plaiting the hair and keeping it in place.
these hairstlyes are just as professional as a ponytail or a bob. african americans in the military should not be forced to wear hairstyles that are outside of their culture, or are unhealthy for the body. this vestige of institutionalized racism MUST CEASE.
i am a teacher and i have been wearing my hair in various african styles (braids, cornrows, locs, twists, etc) for 10 years. not once have i been censured as being unprofessional or overy trendy.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 2:49 PM link Ramona G. | Dallas, TX
It is very sad that in 2007, African American hair is still a problem in this world. It is time for those who do not understand this type of hair to educate themselves. I personally am very proud of the type of hair I have and all of the natural styles I am able to wear. This is discrimination of the highest form and it needs to cease. If you are going to gripe with someone on the natural texture of their hair and they way they must wear it, (because relaxers are a option) you obviously didn't learn anything in the years you have lived on this earth. African Americans have been around for centuries and are not any different than our european counterparts who were their hair with all sorts of blended colors. We should not be ashamed of natural hair. Some of us need to find more important things to worry over.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 2:50 PM link Ramona G. | Dallas, TX
It is very sad that in 2007, African American hair is still a problem in this world. It is time for those who do not understand this type of hair to educate themselves. I personally am very proud of the type of hair I have and all of the natural styles I am able to wear. This is discrimination of the highest form and it needs to cease. If you are going to gripe with someone on the natural texture of their hair and they way they must wear it, (because relaxers are a option) you obviously didn't learn anything in the years you have lived on this earth. African Americans have been around for centuries and are not any different than our european counterparts who were their hair with all sorts of blended colors. We should not be ashamed of natural hair. Some of us need to find more important things to worry over.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 4:43 PM link arlana o. | Oak Park, MI
It is ashame that we have people serving in the Armed Forces, that are being discriminated against because of their hair. Please educate yourself on topics, before jumping the gun to have people change themselves. This is 2007 and it's time the country takes a stance and open its eyes. Get out of the past, and know that people are different, and so are styles. As long as the hair is neat, and clean, what is the problem?
Please do your homework on Black hair and lift the ban.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 4:44 PM link gladys g. | Roselle, NJ
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 7:30 PM link LaToya D. | Charlotte, NC
No need to admit it, Kanye West was right.
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Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 7:53 PM link Roxanne H. | Silver Spring, MD
Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 10:22 PM link Yolanda C. | Blacklick, OH
Thu., Nov. 22, 2007 8:43 AM link Andrea W. | Knoxville, TN
As an Air Force member and MEO specialit I feel this AFI is very discriminatory. It was updated in 2006 to exlcude and monitor the appearance of African American females. Prior to this update micro and dreadlocks had not been singled out. These styles are very much apart of the African American culture. They provide a way us to keep our hair neat, clean and within the safety standards, and an appealing appearance. We teach diversity but we set upstandards that exclusive. This regulation is a prime example of systemic discrimination. With less one percent of the nation even supporting the US military and even less supporting the Air Force I hope that senior leaders all get behind Kim and other African American Females being subjected to this abuse. It is much more un-natural for Kim to have to straighten or perm her hair then to allow it to grow unchemically treated, so she can support the mission in a manner befitted an NCO or officer in the Force. Please re-evaluate your decision and the AFI. The time has come to stop racism within our great organization. "I am an American Airman, I depend my country with my life!"
Thank you,
Andrea Wiley
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Thu., Nov. 22, 2007 9:49 AM link Diane D. | San Diego, CA
Thu., Nov. 22, 2007 5:36 PM link Gene G. | Monroe, NC
My comments about this policy is simply. Why make problem about a soldier's hair there are so many other things to concern ourselves with like trying to win the war. Ask yourself, how many youny Black women would change there minds about joining the arm forces after this nonsense.
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Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 12:20 AM link Stephanie W. | New York, NY
Our hair is not like your hair. It has been disparaged since we were drug here. White racist society has convinced most (but thankfully not all) of us to negate what God gave us. Consequently, there is resistance when we choose to wear what God gave us. There is absolutely nothing objectionable about this young lady's style. Her military commanders and the rest of the world needs to understand how unfair it would be to demand you straight haired people make your hair like ours, and impose stiff sanctions for violators. Cease this nonsense about demanding that ours be like yours.
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Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 8:37 AM link Carolyn C. | Raleigh, NC
Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 10:02 AM link Kimberly B. | Detroit, MI
Diversity is the key to a successful respected country, we can not continue to discrimate against our own fellow man and then tell others countries how to treat their fellow man.
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Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 3:49 PM link april L. | Salisbury, NC
I served for my country and I remember going to basic training and seeing a drill sergeant force an african-american woman to take out some braids that she had in her hair. At the time I did not think anything about it but if I had been forced to cut my dreadlocks out because of people not understanding that this a natural hair style for our people I would have been very upset. I do not see anything wrong with a person not wanting to damage their hair with chemicals. Please do something about this. knowledge is the reason that most white people do not understand why some people choose to be natural.
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Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 4:43 PM link Joycelyn T. | Brooklyn, NY
It is unfortunate that anyone willing to serve their country has to deal with the narrow mindedness presented here. I grew up in the sixties and in a culture that promoted straighteneing ones natural hair so that we (african descended women) would appear presentable. It was a lie then, and it's a lie now.
As a young girl I lived the lie beacause my mother told me it was the right thing to do. I believed it and am suffering the consequences of it today. Years of processing my hair has caused such damage that I am now forced to wear wigs due to hair loss that is taking me years to repair. I don't know if I will ever again have back the thickness of my youth.
To force anyone to manage their hair in a way that WILL eventually damage them is not only unethical but racially insensitive. Clean hair is clean, dirty hair is dirty, coiled hair is coiled hair NOT dirty hair. If our military believes that because hair is coiled it's dirty, shows a mind preset of prejuduce that still continues to infiltrates our society. There is nothing unsightly nor distracting about coiled, cornrowed hair.
The bible says a woman's hair is her beauty. There are some of US who like long hair and the best way for US to achieve that naturally (without adding on hair) is by allowing our hair to be coiled. It's a healthy and time efficient way for US to put OUR best appearance forward.
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Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 5:58 PM link Angelique T. | Woodbridge, VA
Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 6:02 PM link Tomar B. | Irvington, NJ
If you are asking ALL americans to serve their country in this war, then you accept ALL americans for who they are ethnically, and individually.
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