Facial hair, specifically beards, have not been allowed under any means in many police departments, especially the Los Angeles Police Department. As of recently, police officers in Dallas, Texas are now allowed to have beards along with police officers from NYPD and a few other departments.

LAPD officers should have the same rights to be able to keep their beards / facial hair.

Los Angeles is an extremely diverse and liberal city where self-expression goes a long way. Human beings as a whole are entitled to self-expression (freedom of speech) which is protected under the first amendment. Self-expression is not only verbal, it can be voiced through an individual's physical appearance such as tattoos, facial hair, style, clothing etc. It creates a persona of who the individual is and what they represent. The fourteenth amendment states how no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property or make laws that take away privileges of citizens. Policies restricting an individual to look a certain way, PERMANENTLY (for as long as they have that career) takes away an individual's right to their identity, self-expression, and self-confidence.

Neatly kept beards are not a burden to safety and should not be discriminated against or stigmatized. Beards do not constitute as "unprofessional," as professionalism should be judged solely through an individual's actions, attitude, and knowledge. Additionally, we live in the 21st century where equal rights is a critical notion that is transforming the world one day at a time. Gay marriage, same sex bathrooms, Feminism, and a multitude of other laws or movements have shown massive transformation and change from earlier conservative mindsets. So why is it that something as simple as a neatly kept beard is still being discriminated against for individuals who are risking their lives every single day on the job to protect and serve their city? It is unfair, unjust, and suppresses their rights as an individual to be able to express themselves through their appearance.

Please take a moment to sign this petition to allow LAPD officers to be able to keep their facial hair / beards, as long as the hair is neatly kept.

By signing this petition, you will show your support for equality amongst all, and allow some of the most noble and respected individuals to be able to feel confident and unrestrained in their appearance. By signing this petition, you are supporting civil liberties and equality.

Thank you!