HOUSTON — City officials are apparently willing to
dig deep to defend the police department's ban on beards.
The Houston City Council on Wednesday unanimously
authorized spending up to $150,000 to defend the city in a lawsuit challenging
the no-facial hair policy.
"The lawsuit is pending and we have to defend
ourselves," Councilman Ron Green said. "But we're basically saying we want new
police officers, but we don't want police officers with beards."
Four police officers filed a federal civil rights
lawsuit in November claiming the policy is discriminatory. The officers say the
prohibition on beards and goatees is unfair for men who suffer a skin condition
that reacts negatively to shaving. The condition can cause severe irritation,
rashes and ingrown hair.
The police department instituted the policy in 1993
so uniformed officers would look conservative and professional, according to a
city memo.
Officers said the policy unfairly effects their
earning potential, both within the department and at secondary jobs.
"If I work an extra job in a dangerous area, I look
like a security guard," Sgt. Shelby Stewart.