‘Symbol of devotion’: US lawmaker urges Pentagon to reconsider beard-shaving policy for Sikhs; cites religious significance October 22, 2025 at 11:14PM

Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi urged the Pentagon to reevaluate its beard-shaving policy, citing concerns for Sikh, Muslim, and African American service members. He emphasized that religious and cultural practices, like uncut hair for Sikhs and beards for Muslims, are deeply held beliefs.