Washington, DC: The Sikh Coalition has expressed “anger and deep concern” over remarks made by the U.S. Secretary of Defense earlier this week in Quantico, Virginia, regarding grooming and uniform standards in the military.

During an address to nearly 800 generals, admirals, and senior enlisted leaders, the Secretary of Defense reportedly stated: “No more beards, long hair, superficial individual expression” and went further to say, “no more beardo-s.” He also suggested, “if you want a beard, you can join special forces, if not, then shave.”

Shortly after the meeting, the Department of Defense released a memorandum signaling a reversion to pre-2010 standards, under which facial hair waivers were generally not authorized.

The Sikh Coalition, in its press release issued on September 30, warned of the potential implications of this policy shift: “At this time, we are on high alert to understand what the new guidance may mean for our current and former clients across multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

The advocacy group emphasized that the issue extends beyond military policy, noting: “As our nation’s largest employer, what happens there affects the religious rights of Sikhs throughout the public and private sector. Time and time again, Sikhs have shown that exercising their freedom of religion—one of the foundational rights that members of the military fight to uphold—does not make them less capable of honorable and effective service.”

This controversy follows earlier concerns raised in July, when the U.S. Army altered its policy regarding facial hair for soldiers with medical accommodations. While that change did not affect Sikh soldiers with religious exemptions, the Sikh Coalition said it discriminated against other communities.

The organization highlighted its long record of advocacy in this arena. Since 2009, the Sikh Coalition and its allies have represented Sikh servicemembers seeking to maintain their articles of faith—including turbans and unshorn beards—while serving. Landmark litigation led to policy reforms: the U.S. Army updated grooming standards in 2017, the Air Force followed suit in 2020, and in 2023 the Marine Corps permitted service with turbans and beards in certain roles.

The Sikh Coalition reaffirmed its stance: “We remain committed to ensuring that Sikhs and other religious minorities can serve our country without having to choose between their faith and their career.”