Natural hair is apparently something to be frowned upon in the US Armed Forces.
Jessica Sims, an ex-Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class and sailor of over ten years, was discharged from the Navy when she refused to cut her hair or wear a wig.
She had worn her hair the natural way, in the same style, for almost a decade when she began to receive calls that her hairstyle violated set military standards. They claimed that her hair interfered with her ability to wear a gas mask in an emergency as well as safety helmets. She says this is false.
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Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel had ordered a revision of the hair restrictions earlier this month after much backlash to the “racially biased” grooming regulations that were announced back in April. Unfortunately for Sims, none of that has made a difference in her treatment.
“I don’t think I should be told that I have to straighten my hair in order to be within what they think the regulations are, and I don’t think I should have to cover it up with a wig.”
Sims does not regret sticking to her guns on the matter.
“I still stand by it. I would do it again if I had to.”