Daijiworld Media Network – New York
New York, Oct 23: In a strong appeal to uphold religious and cultural freedoms, US Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi has urged the Pentagon to reconsider its proposed blanket beard-shaving mandate for military personnel, stressing that such a rule could marginalize Sikh, Muslim, and African American service members whose faith or medical conditions require them to keep facial hair.
In a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Suozzi highlighted that Sikhs have a long history of serving bravely alongside American troops — from World War I to World War II — while adhering to their faith’s sacred tenet of maintaining uncut hair and beards.
“For Sikhs, serving one’s nation is a sacred duty, reflecting the Sant-Sipahi (saint-soldier) ideal that merges spirituality and service,” Suozzi wrote. He added that while military discipline is vital, religious and medical accommodations must not be ignored.
His statement comes after Hegseth, in a recent address to senior officers, said, “We’re going to cut our hair, shave our beards, and adhere to standards... The era of unprofessional appearance is over. No more beardos.” Suozzi warned that such rhetoric could alienate deeply motivated Americans who wish to serve without compromising their faith or health.
Citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), Suozzi emphasized that the military can maintain professionalism while allowing reasonable exemptions. “It’s entirely possible to uphold discipline while respecting devotion,” he said.
The Congressman also underscored that for Muslim men, maintaining a beard is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, symbolizing humility and faith, while for many African Americans, natural hair is a profound expression of cultural identity. He noted that shaving can cause pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) — a painful skin condition disproportionately affecting Black service members.
Suozzi’s plea coincides with the introduction of the Bipartisan Indian American Heritage Resolution, co-sponsored with Republican Congresswoman Young Kim, to commemorate Diwali and celebrate the contributions of Indian Americans across the United States.
The resolution condemns acts of hate and discrimination against the Indian and South Asian communities. “Indian Americans reflect the very best of the American Dream,” Kim said, adding that Diwali is the perfect time to honor their achievements and values that “light the way for our nation.”