Fact Check: New Marine Corps policy could expel men with razor bumps, impacting Black service members most.

Fact Check: "New Marine Corps policy could expel men with razor bumps, impacting Black service members most."

What We Know

The U.S. Marine Corps has recently updated its grooming policy, which now eliminates waivers that previously allowed service members suffering from pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), commonly known as razor bumps, to forgo shaving. This change, implemented in March 2025, has raised concerns among critics who argue that it disproportionately affects Black service members, who are more likely to experience this condition. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, PFB affects up to 60% of Black men, a significantly higher rate than other demographics (source).

Under the new policy, Marines diagnosed with PFB must undergo a medical evaluation within 90 days. If their condition does not improve within a year under a prescribed treatment plan, they may be discharged for "incompatibility with service" at the discretion of their commanding officer (source). This policy reverses a 2022 rule that prevented Marines from being discharged solely due to this skin condition (source). Notably, Black service members represent approximately 15-16% of the active-duty force but account for 66% of those holding shaving waivers (source).

Analysis

Critics of the new policy, including dermatologists and military personnel, argue that it is discriminatory and does not align with military readiness goals. An anonymous military dermatologist stated that the policy is "on its face, a racist policy," as it primarily impacts African Americans and other people of color due to the nature of their facial hair growth (source). Furthermore, Ed Anderson, an Air Force veteran, expressed concerns that the policy undermines diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the military (source).

The Marine Corps has defended the policy, claiming it is necessary for maintaining "maximum war readiness" and ensuring a professional appearance, which includes being clean-shaven (source). However, there is little evidence to support the claim that PFB or facial hair significantly impacts the effectiveness of gas masks, a common justification for strict grooming standards. Studies have shown that short beards do not interfere with gas mask seals (source).

The reliability of the sources discussing this policy is generally high, as they include statements from military officials and dermatologists. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in media outlets that may emphasize the discriminatory aspects of the policy to attract attention.

Conclusion

The claim that the new Marine Corps policy could expel men with razor bumps and disproportionately impact Black service members is True. The evidence indicates that the policy specifically targets a condition that predominantly affects Black men, raising significant concerns about its fairness and implications for diversity within the military. The reversal of previous waivers and the potential for discharge based on a medical condition that affects a specific demographic underscores the discriminatory nature of this policy.

Fact Check: New Marine Corps policy could expel men with razor bumps, impacting Black service members most.