The US Army Just Reversed Its Natural

Just five months after the Army released a controversial update to Army Regulation 670-1, which severely restricted the hairstyles of women with natural locks, the Pentagon is backpedaling. The Washington Post reports that the department has reversed its natural-hairstyling restrictions.

The update initially caused some controversy because of how limiting it was to women with natural hair. Twists, bigger braids, and other styles many women with textured hair use to protect their unprocessed strands were effectively nixed, leaving black female soldiers with few options for styling their natural locks. While we expect there to be some restrictions on grooming when one enters the Army (the crew cut doesn't have its reputation for nothing), the guidelines seemed to be directed specifically at women of color, which made the entire AR 670-1 situation look insensitive, out of touch, and racist.

Within days of the announcement, the backlash was felt on social media, in the Congressional Black Caucus, and in the Army itself. Politicians, soldiers, and everyday women (with or without natural hair) were up in arms over the regulations. More than 10,000 people signed a White House petition (which has since expired) urging the Army to be more racially inclusive with its hairstyles.

While there is no official word on why, exactly, the Pentagon went ahead and reversed the decision, we think it's safe to say the negative response had something to do with it. According to a letter from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, each branch of the military 'reviewed its hairstyle policies to ensure standards are fair and respectful while also meeting our military requirements. These reviews were informed by a panel of military personnel of mixed demographics reflective of our diverse force.'

Regardless of the reason, we're happy the Army saw the error of its ways and decided to alter its course. It's a step in the right direction. Let's hope the military's change of heart will influence other areas where women with natural hair can sometimes be treated unfairly for embracing their texture - like schools and the work place. Once we educate ourselves enough to recognize how diverse hair can be, we'll hopefully stop these insensitive slip-ups from happening altogether. ( The Washington Post)

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