Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Let a dreadlocked man keep his hair as he goes Coast Guard!
Final supporters
To whom it may concern:
My name is Soren S. Powell and I am seeking an officer commission in the United States Coast Guard as I have a bachelor's degree in Biological/Environmental Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Some people join the Military in response to a Pearl Harbor or 9/11 type of national moment. The BP oil spill of 2010 was like a 9/11 moment for me, crystallizing my desire to join the Coast Guard. I was even named for my great-great-grandfather, Soren Carlsen (name later Americanized to Sam Carlson) who became the Captain of a USCG station on the Great Lakes.
However, I have non-denominational religious beliefs that prevent me from cutting my dreadlocked hair. By signing this petition, the undersigned understand and support my effort to join the USCG with a special exemption from haircuts. Precedent for the haircuts exemption has already exists for members of the Sikh faith, including at least one foreign-born soldier serving in the US Army. The First Amendment to the Constitution protects the freedom of religion of all Americans, especially those Americans that are actually born here.
Sincerely,
Soren S. Powell and supporters
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Updates
July 21, 2013
The focus remains on securing an exemption that honors both individual faith and service requirements. Discussions with legal advisors are ongoing to ensure the request is properly presented to the necessary officials.
July 21, 2013
The momentum behind this request for a religious accommodation continues to grow significantly. Your support confirms that the commitment to serve the country should be judged by a candidate's qualifications rather than their hairstyle.
Reached 100 supporters
July 21, 2013
7 Comments
Give the guy a break. He has a degree and wants to help. Stop blocking talented people over grooming standards.
Ridiculous that this is even an issue. Times change.
Get this man in uniform already. His hair doesnt change his skills as an engineer.
The coast guard needs guys like this who actually care about the environment. Hair length is trivial compared to his qualifications.
My grandfather served and he always said it was the person inside the uniform that mattered not the hair on their head.
USCG don’t mess with the Constitution or dreadlocks please.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Let a dreadlocked man keep his hair as he goes Coast Guard!
Final supporters
To whom it may concern:
My name is Soren S. Powell and I am seeking an officer commission in the United States Coast Guard as I have a bachelor's degree in Biological/Environmental Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Some people join the Military in response to a Pearl Harbor or 9/11 type of national moment. The BP oil spill of 2010 was like a 9/11 moment for me, crystallizing my desire to join the Coast Guard. I was even named for my great-great-grandfather, Soren Carlsen (name later Americanized to Sam Carlson) who became the Captain of a USCG station on the Great Lakes.
However, I have non-denominational religious beliefs that prevent me from cutting my dreadlocked hair. By signing this petition, the undersigned understand and support my effort to join the USCG with a special exemption from haircuts. Precedent for the haircuts exemption has already exists for members of the Sikh faith, including at least one foreign-born soldier serving in the US Army. The First Amendment to the Constitution protects the freedom of religion of all Americans, especially those Americans that are actually born here.
Sincerely,
Soren S. Powell and supporters
Updates
July 21, 2013
The focus remains on securing an exemption that honors both individual faith and service requirements. Discussions with legal advisors are ongoing to ensure the request is properly presented to the necessary officials.
July 21, 2013
The momentum behind this request for a religious accommodation continues to grow significantly. Your support confirms that the commitment to serve the country should be judged by a candidate's qualifications rather than their hairstyle.
Reached 100 supporters
July 21, 2013
7 Comments
SERIOUSLY. It is 2017. Let the man keep his hair and go do his job.
Give the guy a break. He has a degree and wants to help. Stop blocking talented people over grooming standards.
Ridiculous that this is even an issue. Times change.
Get this man in uniform already. His hair doesnt change his skills as an engineer.
The coast guard needs guys like this who actually care about the environment. Hair length is trivial compared to his qualifications.
My grandfather served and he always said it was the person inside the uniform that mattered not the hair on their head.
USCG don’t mess with the Constitution or dreadlocks please.
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SERIOUSLY. It is 2017. Let the man keep his hair and go do his job.