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855 People Have Sent 1,988 Letters and Emails
Sign the Petition
Some recent comments: these messages are published with permission of the signer.
Total Signers: 855 View More: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Total Signers: 855 View More: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Sign the Petition
Petition created by Treasured Locks
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Sat., Jan. 9, 2010 1:29 AM link Name not displayed | Hattiesburg, MS
Stop letting America tells we're unprofessional and aren't beautiful unless we conform to its standards of beauty.
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Fri., Jan. 8, 2010 10:44 PM link Name not displayed | Orlando, FL
Thu., Jan. 7, 2010 9:45 PM link Cecily B. | Washington, DC
Thu., Jan. 7, 2010 5:19 PM link Peace P. | Duluth, GA
This is foolishness!
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Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 11:09 PM link A H. | Greensboro, NC
So I actually looked this up and came up with this website. It is sad that we are fighting for something that has not or will not be happening. Let's be smart and not conform to ignorance. http://www.afoats.af.mil/OTS/documents/AFI36-2903.pdf
In essence:
AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel containing change
2 (dated 28 May 08), is void and hereby rescinded as of the date of its issuance. The
publication was improperly routed and mistakenly failed to incorporate the provisions of AFI 36-2903, change 1, dated 6 August 2007, into its publication. If you downloaded or printed any copies of the erroneous document, please destroy those copies. Also, if you've posted local supplements to the AFI based on this void and rescinded document, rescind the publication as of the date of issuance.
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Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 9:05 PM link J J. | Miami, FL
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 7:28 PM link Denise M. | Fayetteville, NC
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 7:27 PM link Denise M. | Chapel Hill, NC
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 7:26 PM link Denise M. | Fayetteville, NC
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 5:55 PM link Name not displayed | Bedford, OH
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 4:50 PM link Jennifer J. | Roanoke, VA
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 3:03 PM link Name not displayed | Columbia, SC
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 2:27 PM link Ejovwokoghene O. | Pearland, TX
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 2:16 PM link Tiffany K. | Ypsilanti, MI
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 12:49 PM link Dana L. | Virginia Beach, VA
All hair is beautiful. All races are allowed to wear their hair in its natural state except African Americans. There is nothing wrong with our hair--it is beautiful and distinctive. It is very impartial to allow Caucasians and other races to wear their hair natural, but to force African Americans to chemically alter their hair to fit an European ideal.
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Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 12:24 PM link Name not displayed | Cleveland, OH
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 12:01 PM link Albert H. | San Francisco, CA
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 11:15 AM link Catherine C. | Raleigh, NC
100% agree--natural hair can be neat and professional...there should NOT be regulation(s) to make us chemically treat or cut off our hair just because it is in its natural state/form (curly). Locks can be pulled back (1) into a ponytail/bun or (2) hang w/o touching the shoulders while not covering the face just as neatly & professionally as, for example, straight brown hair w/ auburn highlights...
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Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 8:14 AM link Ashleigh A. | Atlanta, GA
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 2:19 AM link Cathy L. | Durham, NC
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 2:11 AM link Nadia E. | Newton Center, MA
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 12:41 AM link Name not displayed | Mableton, GA
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 12:28 AM link Name not displayed | Angier, NC
Wed., Jan. 6, 2010 12:22 AM link Name not displayed | Erwin, NC
Everyone should be allowed to wear their natural hair!
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Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 11:59 PM link Mica S. | Columbus, OH
I just can not fathom why this policy is in place!
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Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 10:39 PM link k b. | Watertown, NY
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 9:54 PM link A Y. | Philadelphia, PA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 9:32 PM link tiffany g. | Orlando, FL
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 8:26 PM link ashley w. | Wilmington, NC
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 7:21 PM link Alina . | Philadelphia, PA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 6:33 PM link Adzua A. | New York, NY
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 6:32 PM link Adzua A. | New Haven, CT
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 6:30 PM link Terrence C. | Upper Marlboro, MD
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 5:59 PM link Name not displayed | Bridgeport, CT
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 3:26 PM link Tiffany H. | Lilburn, GA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 2:47 PM link Ariel H. | Chicago, IL
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 1:52 PM link Jordan B. | Newark, NJ
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 1:27 PM link Name not displayed | Bryan, TX
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 12:39 PM link Rochelle S. | Evans, GA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 12:36 PM link Name not displayed | Fremont, CA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 12:33 PM link Jacqueline S. | Brunswick, GA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 12:28 PM link Name not displayed | Owings Mills, MD
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 12:26 PM link Yvette B. | Owings Mills, MD
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 12:15 PM link Adaku O. | Lanham, MD
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 10:26 AM link Name not displayed | Chicago, IL
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 10:20 AM link Name not displayed | Mauldin, SC
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 10:06 AM link Sonya P. | New York, NY
There is absolutely nothing 'wrong' with African hair. People are born the way they are born, period. Why is this even an issue? It seems to be rather blatant that others have a problem with African hair, not Africans or people of African descent! Get over it, use some common sense and let people be the way they are born - period!
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Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 10:03 AM link Angelina B. | Minneapolis, MN
Relaxers and weaves are not our natural hair. Corn rows, locked hair, and curly hair can look professional. Our hair is not a trend. It is already hard enough being female in the military at times, the regulations put on African American hair makes it harder. Think of how many African American female recruits the military is missing out on. Please reconsider regulations on African American hair though out the Armed Forces in general
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Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 9:57 AM link Name not displayed | Brooklyn, NY
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 9:29 AM link Name not displayed | Chicago, IL
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 9:17 AM link ADRIENNE B. | Alexandria, VA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 8:59 AM link Felicia J. | Atlanta, GA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 8:55 AM link Shevonn J. | Norwalk, CT
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 8:46 AM link Tamika H. | Fayetteville, NC
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 8:25 AM link Akwaeke E. | Brooklyn, NY
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 4:36 AM link Chinasa E. | Houston, TX
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 3:36 AM link Fatima A. | Atlanta, GA
Tue., Jan. 5, 2010 3:30 AM link Kasandra D. | White Plains, MD
Mon., Jan. 4, 2010 7:38 PM link DARRYL W. | Springfield, MA
Sat., Jan. 2, 2010 10:54 PM link Name not displayed | Snellville, GA
Sat., Jan. 2, 2010 4:22 PM link Jessica C. | Charlotte, NC
that policy has to change because our hair is apart of our culture. We should not have to straighten it in order to serve our country. There is clearly a cultural bias that should not be. I was thinking about the military but if they dont want my little box braids then they dont want me!
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Fri., Jan. 1, 2010 11:54 PM link Name not displayed | Quantico, VA
Women of color serving in the military should not have to choose the between toxic chemicals of a relaxer and losing their hairline to repetitive braiding.
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Fri., Jan. 1, 2010 12:42 PM link Name not displayed | Columbus, OH
Thu., Dec. 31, 2009 10:40 AM link Ronald F. | Arlington, VA
My president is Black. So are some of the soldiers in my/your/our army. Respect the uniqueness of Black soldiers. Don't try to oppress it.
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Wed., Dec. 30, 2009 7:54 PM link Lauren D. | Charleston, SC
I'm going into the Navy and I agree with what others have said, this is not an issue for just the Air Force this is an issue for all branches of the military. If we don't put our foot down for something then African American women will continue to be "pushed" around in the military.
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Wed., Dec. 30, 2009 5:59 PM link Name not displayed | Goose Creek, SC
This in not an Air Force specific issue. This is an issue all of the military branches.
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Tue., Dec. 29, 2009 5:51 PM link amoni a. | Fort Washington, MD
Sun., Dec. 27, 2009 9:56 PM link cindy p. | Raeford, NC
The Air Force needs to reconsider this request... its not fair that she has to conform to society's standard of beauty. If her hair does not interfere with the proper wearing of her headgear (Patrol cap, chemical mask, etc.) then she should be allowed to keep her dreadlocks.
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Fri., Dec. 25, 2009 12:50 AM link Tiffany B. | Brooklyn, NY
Wed., Dec. 23, 2009 7:35 PM link Edward B. | Fort George G Meade, MD
My wife is a beautiful black woman, she is currently looking into going enlisting in the armed forces as a officer, but when we looked at the regulation for hair I begged her not to, because she has long beautiful locks that are very well kept. And it would be in my opinion a crime to cut them off. I am a Master Sergeant in the Army, I have been in for 20yrs, I have seen the Army make many strides for the better, but one area all the armed forces are behind in is when it comes to taking into account different ethnic back rounds. Times are changing in this world, so the days of one blanket standard for everyone are gone. Rules have to be made that are fair to all races and cultures not just a few. Dreadlocks are a neat and well kept hair style that many women, especially African American wear with pride, In some cases dreadlocks are the only way women of color can wear their hair long without hair pieces or extensions, the armed forces must come up with a standard that, will allow women who choose to wear dreadlocks to look professional, but still wear their hair with pride.
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Tue., Dec. 22, 2009 4:47 PM link Name not displayed | Apo, AE
I am an officer in the United States Army. I have been wearing my hair natural for a couple of years now. When I began this process, which was also before I became commissioned, I had dreadlocks, which were small(not as small as sisterlocks) neat, and symmetrical. I knew nothing about the regulation about dreadlocks, and figured they were fine because I had been to numerous training events which none of my superiors questioned my appearance. Well, I got a real eye opener when I made it to officer training after being commissioned. During the first or second week of my arrival, I was approached by a Major who then told me dreadlocks were prohibited and I needed to change my hair style. Of course I was upset, but I read the regulation and knew that if I didn't change my style there would definitely be issues. As painful as it was, mentally and phyically, I took them out. I still did not want a perm, and really didn't want to spend money on extensions, but that was my last and quick result. I had. Never worn my hair any other way(natural) than dreadlocks.
After many experiments with products and natural hairstyles, I decided to wear kinky twists. This is the easiest and neatest style that I thought I could wear in uniform. "Females will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, that the length and bulk of the hair are not excessive, and that the hair does not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Dreadlocks
(unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are
prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty."
When I read this, it clearly states "dreadlocks". Now I arrive at my duty station and my hair is neat and not "bulky". Unfortuanetly my hair is not long enough to put into a pony tail, so I have to wear it down. I am still having issues with my superior officers because of the texture of my hair. It is very frustrating. I feel that the regulation is unfair to women like me who chose not to put chemicals in our hair. That was one of the officer's suggestions, which I clearly protested.
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Sun., Dec. 20, 2009 8:43 PM link Name not displayed | Quantico, VA
As an African- American woman starting the enlistment process (Army) I have an Afro right now and am considering sisterlocks, but I am re thinking it. The Army regulation is the same as the AF they are prohibited to be "worn". Congress needs to take the ban on locks off all the branches grooming standards if they are well kept and neat and are kept above the collar and able to put in a bun to have your cover fit neatly or helmet it shouldn't be a problem.
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Thu., Dec. 17, 2009 11:07 PM link Dana H. | Greenbelt, MD
Wed., Dec. 16, 2009 11:54 AM link Demetria R. | Goose Creek, SC
I think that this is racial, ethnic discrimination and needs to stop. Why should we have to alter the condition of our natural hair with straightening chemicals to be accepted by them. DON'T CUT OFF YOUR HAIR!!! GET AN ATTORNEY!!!THEY NEED TO BE EDUCATED IN CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND TOLERANCE!!!
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Sun., Dec. 13, 2009 5:19 PM link anouk v. | Imperial Beach, CA
i am a caucasian woman who really appreciate the beauty of natural african hair. it is a shame to ask one to cut or relax their hair to conform to someones beauty standard. If the hair are clean, african american women should be able to wear their beautiful dreadlocks, it makes no sense to ask for them to cut them of.
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Sun., Dec. 13, 2009 2:07 PM link azania- luevella k. | Los Altos, CA
Sat., Dec. 12, 2009 11:49 AM link Lenora W. | Minneapolis, MN
Wearing our hair locked is an expression of culture not a "fad". Unless a hairstyle inhibits a person's ability to perform their job function this is an unreasonable restriction. Would a white person with curly, blonde, red, long hair be required to change? No. This is an unfair ban and should be reconsidered.
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Tue., Dec. 8, 2009 1:58 AM link Tiffany K. | Grover, MO
What is it about dreadlocks that is unprofessional. Are they unclean or unkept? No. Dreadlocks are not unprofessional or distracting. Not everyone was born with straight, fine, and/or blonde hair. Get over it, accept it.
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Sat., Dec. 5, 2009 6:20 PM link Justin G. | Willingboro, NJ
400 hundred years later and they still dont want us comfortable with who we are. Africans we were,are,and will be!!!
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Sat., Nov. 28, 2009 10:34 PM link Cameron T. | Memphis, TN
I am interested in joining the Air Force but I do have 'locks' which are kept up and neat. Now I am not to sure I want to enlist if I would have to cut my 'locks' out.
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Fri., Nov. 20, 2009 5:30 PM link orliande G. | Jamaica, NY
I think for a lot of people, when they hear dreads, they probably think first of those, yes mostly white young people who have horrible dreads, ( i see lots of them everyday) so they think that most people with dreads, are like that, load, dirty, and unkept. I live in geneva, Swiss, and i see that most people in America have very well kept beautiful dreads/locks. for me i don't see why they come up with stupid things like these. but hey, just another way for them to show they still don't like black people
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Sun., Nov. 15, 2009 3:09 PM link Name not displayed | Orlando, FL
I have locks and I am trying to get into the Air Force as we speak. I get numerous compliments on my hair. I don't see how my hair can cause a problem to me doing my job or being a distraction to anyone, therefore this regulation is a complete and utter violation of wanting to have healthy hair, whether they see it that way or not.
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Sat., Nov. 14, 2009 10:23 PM link Koura G. | Washington, DC
African hair is not a uniform...and neither is "white" hair for that matter!
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Sat., Nov. 14, 2009 10:23 PM link Dr. Koura G. | Washington, DC
African hair is not a uniform...and neither is "white" hair for that matter!
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Sat., Nov. 14, 2009 10:18 PM link Name not displayed | Washington, DC
african hair is not a uniform! ...and neither is "white" hair...
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Thu., Nov. 12, 2009 4:20 PM link Monisha S. | Baltimore, MD
My employer is telling me that my hair is "unprofessional" for a business setting and I need to get it done. Natural hair is beautiful and should be embraced. I refuse to conform to the eurocentric standards of "beauty!"
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Wed., Nov. 11, 2009 11:50 AM link Allison R. | Concord, NC
Tue., Nov. 10, 2009 12:00 PM link erika p. | West Palm Beach, FL
Mon., Nov. 9, 2009 8:03 PM link Amber R. | Los Angeles, CA
Locs can be maintained in accordance to the regulations as stated "neat, clean and professional." I agree that this ban is unfair, and locs should be allowed.
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Fri., Nov. 6, 2009 9:11 PM link Name not displayed | Orlando, FL
Fri., Nov. 6, 2009 1:18 AM link Name not displayed | Philadelphia, PA
Wed., Nov. 4, 2009 10:59 AM link Name not displayed | Alexandria, VA
Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 12:33 PM link S.K S. | Stafford, TX
Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 10:34 AM link Name not displayed | New York, NY
Locs can be neat and professional and should be allowed.
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Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 10:07 AM link Name not displayed | New Brunswick, NJ
Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 9:52 AM link Name not displayed | Bronx, NY
That rule is ridiculous! Lots of people have neat locs. They could wear it in a ponytail or bun away from their face.
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Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 9:52 AM link Name not displayed | New York, NY
Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 9:43 AM link Y. L. | Fairfax, VA
Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 9:34 AM link Donna G. | Chicago, IL
Tue., Nov. 3, 2009 4:08 AM link dana m. | Inglewood, CA