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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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Fri., Oct. 30, 2009 4:04 PM link Name not displayed | Takoma Park, MD
Fri., Oct. 30, 2009 11:39 AM link michelle d. | Newark, NJ
Thu., Oct. 29, 2009 2:38 PM link Name not displayed | Newark, NJ
Thu., Oct. 29, 2009 2:23 PM link anatasia e. | Newark, NJ
Thu., Oct. 29, 2009 11:38 AM link Name not displayed | Gaithersburg, MD
When will this type of thinking cease. There is another generation of African American women who may aspire to join the airforce. Didn't Dr. King say " content of character."
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Thu., Oct. 29, 2009 11:06 AM link Dianne H. | Union City, NJ
Thu., Oct. 29, 2009 9:23 AM link Caroline I. | Newark, NJ
Wed., Oct. 28, 2009 4:39 AM link Name not displayed | Berkeley, CA
Wed., Oct. 28, 2009 12:20 AM link Lovely P. | Newark, NJ
Tue., Oct. 27, 2009 9:30 PM link Name not displayed | Nottingham, MD
Mon., Oct. 26, 2009 3:23 AM link Name not displayed | Charlotte, NC
Mon., Oct. 26, 2009 2:20 AM link Name not displayed | Charlotte, NC
Sun., Oct. 25, 2009 10:01 PM link Shaquita B. | Troy, AL
I agree. Dread are not necessarily faddish or unprofessional. It is a part of the African American heritage. If its not hindering our job performance or keeping us from looking unprofessional why should we have to conform to have chemicals in or have or subjecting us to cut our hair. In my honest opinion i think that Air Force should reconsider this ban against dreads. What next? No cornrows, or microbraids, no extensions?
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Sun., Oct. 25, 2009 7:36 PM link Vanessa F. | Danvers, MA
Sun., Oct. 25, 2009 8:44 AM link Name not displayed | Birmingham, AL
Fri., Oct. 23, 2009 12:38 AM link danielle w. | Liberty Lake, WA
Thu., Oct. 22, 2009 8:19 PM link Name not displayed | Midlothian, TX
I feel that it is both unacceptable and racist for the military to force African American women to put relaxers on their hair. First of all, African American hair comes in many textures, and many do not need relaxers to straighten their hair. How is them wearing their hair natural a distraction? My uncles and father served in the military, and were often discriminated against for wearing their natural hair in afros. My uncle used to tell us how he was placed in an outdoor cell in Korea, because he asked the commander about having Magic Shave and other products for AA men shipped there so they could groom themselves properly, as caucasian products would irritate their skin and did not work. The commander initially agreed, but, when my uncle questioned him about the shipment months later, he called my uncle the N word and said some other foul things, so my uncle punched him in the mouth. As a military brat, my hair looked its worst when we lived in other countries, and bases that had no/small AA locals. I think AA women should refuse to join the military if you are that foolish and petty.
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Mon., Oct. 19, 2009 9:54 PM link Marcia J. | Homestead, FL
Mon., Oct. 19, 2009 2:32 PM link Gayle J. | Plano, TX
The military should SEND and PAY interested enlistees for Sisterlocks and other natural hair training. This would serve the military VERY well. In the field how are you going to do relaxers, weaves and presses?!!!. Come on, sisterlocks and other conservative natural styles are the BEST option for African american females. Why is natural African hair 'wrong'? Next they will ask us to bleach our skin
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Mon., Oct. 19, 2009 12:30 PM link kinicha w. | Neptune, NJ
This is wrong There is nothing wrong with the God given you
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Sun., Oct. 18, 2009 1:14 PM link Adlyn M. | Chicago, IL
This ban is stupid, Natural hair is beautiful. How do you tell people who fight and risk their lives that their CULTURE is "faddish," untidy, and unprofessional?
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Sat., Oct. 17, 2009 9:37 PM link D.L. S. | Van Nuys, CA
Fri., Oct. 16, 2009 10:37 PM link Toni J. | Mechanicsville, VA
Tue., Oct. 13, 2009 12:59 PM link Jacqueline M. | Wichita, KS
Tue., Oct. 13, 2009 9:30 AM link Rachel W. | Chicago, IL
With a Black President, the American people accept diversity. How we wear our hair naturally is beautiful and can be kept professional. Please let the Air Force be an example and stop Discrimination against naturally Afro-centric hair.
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Mon., Oct. 12, 2009 6:08 PM link Leonetti c. | Fort Wayne, IN
STOP THE DISCRIMMINATION!!!!!!! Whom ever put this into affect needs to be ashamed of themselves... African americans should not have to CONFORM. GOD blessed us with beautiful curly/ kinky hair and that should NOT be shamed.
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Sun., Oct. 11, 2009 10:24 AM link Carla T. | Nashville, TN
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.
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Sun., Oct. 11, 2009 12:36 AM link Teonaka D. | Mebane, NC
I find it disheartening, disrespectful and to be honest, blatantly ignorant for the US government to tell a person who is willing to risk their lives (day in and day out)that 1) they have to expose themselves to caustic chemicals in order to serve their country and 2) that they are untidy, unclean, unprofessional individuals because of how they chose to style their natural/unprocessed hair. Again I say, disheartening, disrespectful and blatantly ignorant.
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Sun., Oct. 11, 2009 12:18 AM link Candace W. | Virginia Beach, VA
Sun., Oct. 11, 2009 12:13 AM link Deanna W. | Tampa, FL
Sat., Oct. 10, 2009 2:54 PM link Name not displayed | Florissant, MO
While the update regulation may include microbraids, this is not necessarily a natural hair style. I dont think the government should dictate what natural style a person can wear. As long as the hair is clean, neat, above the collar, and allows headgear to fit properly it shouldn't be a problem. Can you please tell me what the specific problem is with dreadlocks??
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Sat., Oct. 10, 2009 12:13 PM link Aja B. | Washington, DC
Fri., Oct. 9, 2009 6:57 PM link Name not displayed | Chattanooga, TN
Fri., Oct. 9, 2009 10:22 AM link Jean S. | Orlando, FL
This is crazy. Will they ban a White hair style? I don't think so.
Jenan
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Thu., Oct. 8, 2009 7:20 PM link Crystal D. | Los Angeles, CA
Wed., Oct. 7, 2009 3:44 PM link Kelly E. | Indianapolis, IN
African American women should be allowed to wear their natural hair without cutting it.White women with or without locks arent't asked to cut their hair or put a chemical in their naturally straight hair.Stop the racism we are all Americans no matter how we look
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Wed., Oct. 7, 2009 3:09 PM link Norma T. | Kent, WA
locs is our natural hair, chemicals damage our scalp and hair
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Wed., Oct. 7, 2009 1:17 AM link Lisa B. | Washington, DC
Tue., Oct. 6, 2009 7:09 PM link Patrina B. | Chesapeake, VA
Tue., Oct. 6, 2009 1:36 PM link Toshia S. | North Las Vegas, NV
This is one of the very reasons I seperated from the US Air Force. It is disgusting how you treat Black women, and women in general.
To think you are degrading Black women by telling them dreads are faddish, non-professional, and untidy. I am a professional black woman, I hold an important position within my company and my hair is always, neat, tidy, and clean.
My loc'd hair is neither dreaded, faddish, nor nasty.
I am proud of me, and this is blatant discrimination!
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Tue., Oct. 6, 2009 8:51 AM link Erica S. | Pearland, TX
Tue., Oct. 6, 2009 3:29 AM link Name not displayed | Victorville, CA
Mon., Oct. 5, 2009 11:15 PM link Name not displayed | ,
This is ridiculous. What we should ban is relaxers.
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Mon., Oct. 5, 2009 5:02 PM link Ashley W. | Washington, DC
Mon., Oct. 5, 2009 2:50 PM link Monique L. | Woodland Hills, CA
Locs, also referred to as "dreadlocks" are neat, clean, and professional - despite popular, dominating opinions. The idea that this particular hairstyle is unacceptable in formal settings developed from non-African American individuals who are ignorant of the meticulous ways in which the hairstyle is manicured and maintained. Such false and dominating ideologies are far from democratic, and do more harm than service to the individuals serving this so- called "great nation". It is critical that lawmakers and elected representatives educate themselves before making decisions that further marginalize oppressed groups and individuals.
And for good measure, let me be clear in saying that I am a proud loc wearer, and a highly successful professional. I am a Doctoral student in UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, in the division of Urban Schooling. I hope that my deliberate decision to loc my hair empowers other Black girls and women to embrace their beautiful, natural hair without the fear that the hairstyle will impede on their socio-economic mobility.
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Mon., Oct. 5, 2009 1:46 PM link Tiffany B. | New Britain, CT
I was hoping to become a member of the USAF but Im starting to wonder if my hair will be an issue. It is locked so I'm not really concerned if they cut it, however, it will not unravel, it's Locked! I think the military should consider how inefficient this ban is. What will happen during times of combat? Will they provide perms for us overseas? WIll they provide the braiders while deployed? Seems like they need to put up the bucks or extend what is considered neat. I hope Chris Rock's movie will dispel some of the myths expressed about african american hair. It does not come out of our scalps straight or even curly. People need to realize that it comes out of our scalps nappy and therefore requires manipulation to look acceptable to your average socalized american.
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Mon., Oct. 5, 2009 1:32 PM link Name not displayed | York, PA
Mon., Oct. 5, 2009 11:45 AM link nakisha m. | Atlanta, GA
Mon., Oct. 5, 2009 11:03 AM link S G. | Apo, AP
ATTENTION CONGRESS..i am a female..i'm also a fighter..AND i have locs...everyday that i put on my uniform is a day that i am fighting for you..everyday that i am away from my family..is because im fighting for you to be able to stay home with yours. You say you support me..Prove It..Stop Discriminating..picture someone walking up to your desk and telling you that you have 24 hrs to cut your hair..so the next day you report with no hair, no motivation and still out of regs.
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Wed., Sep. 30, 2009 10:09 PM link Lisa B. | Martinsville, VA
Sun., Sep. 27, 2009 10:28 PM link Tynetta M. | Norcross, GA
Sun., Sep. 27, 2009 2:41 PM link Name not displayed | Saint Petersburg, 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.
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Sun., Sep. 27, 2009 2:17 PM link Kelly W. | Jersey City, NJ
Sat., Sep. 26, 2009 7:21 PM link Shirley T. | Owings Mills, MD
I concur as African American. I don't have dreads, but wear my hair natural and have been told that it's not a professional look. "You should wear your hair like that" The possibility of you go forth in your profession is slim to none.
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Sat., Sep. 26, 2009 4:04 PM link kaneeka t. | Baton Rouge, LA
Fri., Sep. 25, 2009 11:57 AM link Ingrid Anne B. | Brooklyn, NY
I think once you are well groomed and presentable... you shouldnt be required to change your appearance based on someone else's view points.
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Fri., Sep. 25, 2009 1:42 AM link Tracy H. | Central Islip, NY
Fri., Sep. 25, 2009 12:18 AM link Octavia W. | Stafford, VA
Wed., Sep. 23, 2009 9:31 PM link alycea g. | Jackson, MS
Tue., Sep. 22, 2009 6:18 PM link Name not displayed | Philadelphia, PA
Tue., Sep. 22, 2009 11:46 AM link Rachel J. | Biloxi, MS
Sat., Sep. 19, 2009 1:58 PM link Name not displayed | East Saint Louis, IL
God created nappy hair too!
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Thu., Sep. 17, 2009 2:54 AM link Stacie W. | Camarillo, CA
Tue., Sep. 15, 2009 9:47 PM link Name not displayed | Portsmouth, VA
Tue., Sep. 15, 2009 12:21 PM link Julia A. | San Leandro, CA
Mon., Sep. 14, 2009 7:01 PM link Voice of R. | Lorton, VA
Dreadlocks are not exclusive to African American women, therefore an argument of discrimination against a race or sex is not supportable. For example, the Air Force makes it illegal for males, of any color, to have dread locks as well. Thus everyone that voluntarily joins the Air Force has equal opportunity to abide by established grooming standards that are in effect to maximize the nation's ability to defend itself. Additionally, there better be a study or two on the statements of "only way African-American women can wear their hair...without having to chemically treat it or wear a wig." If a doctor confirmed that a person HAD to wear their hair in dreadlocks or lose their hair completely, a waiver would be provided, much like waivers for men shaving are provided because fo shaving bumps.
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Sun., Sep. 13, 2009 10:41 PM link Colleen C. | Wheeling, WV
Our careers should not be ruined because we will not confirm to white ways. This ban needs to be lifted because we are dying for our country but we can't be our natural selves.
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Wed., Sep. 9, 2009 9:21 PM link Alexis J. | Triangle, VA
More African-American women are embracing the natural beauty of our GOD given hair no one has the right to make us change it. Not too long ago Washington DC-police tried to implement this exact same ban but to include Afro's or "faddish" Hair styles... how is our NATURAL HAIR WE ARE BORN WITH Faddish?
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Wed., Sep. 9, 2009 10:31 AM link Name not displayed | Chicago, IL
Tue., Sep. 8, 2009 9:04 PM link Name not displayed | Chicago, IL
Mon., Sep. 7, 2009 8:16 PM link Alvenna W. | Chicago, IL
Sun., Sep. 6, 2009 11:25 PM link Lasandra M. | Converse, TX
Sat., Sep. 5, 2009 11:54 PM link Tiffani C. | Elkins Park, PA
Fri., Sep. 4, 2009 12:36 PM link Tanishia B. | Phoenix, AZ
Fri., Sep. 4, 2009 1:59 AM link Name not displayed | Shreveport, LA
Wed., Sep. 2, 2009 10:02 PM link Name not displayed | Stamford, CT
absolutely deplorable.
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Wed., Sep. 2, 2009 4:37 PM link Name not displayed | Kingshill, VI
Mon., Aug. 31, 2009 9:26 PM link Lauren G. | New Haven, CT
Mon., Aug. 31, 2009 3:52 PM link yvette r. | Willow Grove, PA
Mon., Aug. 31, 2009 10:43 AM link Michelle D. | Macon, GA
Sun., Aug. 30, 2009 10:30 PM link Wynnette O. | Sacramento, CA
Sun., Aug. 30, 2009 12:14 PM link Name not displayed | Apo, AP
Sat., Aug. 29, 2009 12:44 PM link Valerie S. | Winterville, NC
Fri., Aug. 28, 2009 6:35 PM link Sasha S. | Foxboro, MA
Fri., Aug. 28, 2009 6:05 PM link Ferry C. | Randolph, MA
We cannot be punished and discrimnated because our hair is not "straight" . It is a shame that we must have this petition as this issue should not even exist.
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Fri., Aug. 28, 2009 5:53 PM link Name not displayed | Randolph, MA
Fri., Aug. 28, 2009 3:34 PM link Tramika C. | Brunswick, ME
It is not only the Air Force, but the Navy also, who discriminates against African American natural hair styles. Twists and dreadlocks, as long as they are neat, clean, not touching the collar, able to fit under the cover/head gear, and are not a hinderance to performing tasks, should be allowed, just as braids and buns are.
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Thu., Aug. 27, 2009 4:56 PM link Roshelle C. | Bronx, NY
Thu., Aug. 27, 2009 12:37 AM link Dr. T. | Saint Albans, NY
Sighing.
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Thu., Aug. 27, 2009 12:07 AM link Terrica C. | Mobile, AL
people should be looked up to for the work they do not the hair on their head
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Wed., Aug. 26, 2009 11:06 PM link Name not displayed | Dayton, OH
Wed., Aug. 26, 2009 8:42 PM link Keith B. | Cincinnati, OH
Tue., Aug. 25, 2009 11:47 PM link Mahogany M. | Brooksville, FL
Any military branch of the U.S. the Air Force especially, should feel honored that any potentially qualified individual(s) has the desire to serve this country and in wanting to partake in that duty, is willing to undergo the steps necessary for the enlistment. The military has much more serious issues that needs to be tended to; and the issue of African- Americans' hair, especially in regards to the women needs to be re-assesed as that that is trivial. Why is okay for any other race of women to wear their hair as it grows out of their scalps, but not for black women? Why should black women have to sacrifice hair length (by cutting) or having to be put into positions in compromising the health of their hair, (applying dangerous chemicals) when other ethnicities don't have to?
Unfortunately, this controversy isn't surprising. Ever since stepping onto these shores of the Atlantic, we as people of African descent have been the victims of cultural eradication, and heritage rape; everything about our physical racial appearances has been regarded as inferior, the mark of being uncivilized savages, who needed the Europeans to redeemed us or "enlightened" us. The texture of our hair was in fact one of factors of the confirmation of our perceived "inferiority". This Air Force policy is in fact based upon the ignorance of African textured hair. As people of African descent, our hair is described as "wooly", "kinky", "coarse", or considered as "naps". Due to the physical structure of this hair type, it tends to be the most fragile, and the has inablility of scalp hair oils ( unlike other races) to lubricate the entire strand; as a result, our hair tends to be the driest. It thrives on moisture/ conditioner, natural essential oils, and on low hair manipulation, and very little to no heat ( another method of straightening). Using chemical relaxers to straighten the hair exacerbates the condition, weakening it and making more prone to breakage. As long as the hair is pulled back neatly and is not dyed in any distracting colors, I see no reason why dreads or braids should be banned. For many black women these styles are ideal for maintaining hair length because there is very little to no manipulation which aids in the reduction of breakage, as African hair tends to curls tightly into itself making combing somewhat a difficult task; coupled with the excessive dryness discussed earlier. In addition to that, these hairstyles are also a lot less time consuming for military women who may not have immense time nor energy to manually arrange their hair daily. Dreads are longer lasting and with proper care can be preserve for several days, weeks, or
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Tue., Aug. 25, 2009 9:28 PM link Chantea W. | New York, NY
Tue., Aug. 25, 2009 8:00 PM link Name not displayed | Denison, TX
Tue., Aug. 25, 2009 6:03 PM link Name not displayed | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tue., Aug. 25, 2009 3:27 PM link Anne-Marie H. | ,
Tue., Aug. 25, 2009 2:53 PM link Chaniqua B. | Savannah, GA
Tue., Aug. 25, 2009 9:59 AM link katanya r. | Chicago, IL
Tue., Aug. 25, 2009 9:33 AM link Keisha W. | Chicago, IL