Regulations on Ethnic Hair

Earlier this month the Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter to the Defense Secutary in hopes of further revisions within army regulations for ethnic hair. In recent revised regulations, it is said that black women may wear their hair natural in twists or braids, however, they must be no bigger than a quarter-inch in diameter. Black women members of the caucus have spoken out against these regulations, one even stated, "African American women have often been required to meet unreasonable norms as it relates to acceptable standards of grooming in the workplace." Although, these regulations are not meant to target anyone many women have complained against them. These regulation's main purpose is to have a "more professional looking" army, however, petitions have been signed and debates have begun for further review of professional ethnic hairstyles. 

http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/04/11/301509842/congressional-black-caucus-urges-rethink-of-army-hair-rules