Institute for Justice

Can a beard be protected under the First Amendment?

An employee in Atlantic City’s fire department wants to wear a beard because of his religion, but he might be told to shave it because of his job.

Find out on this week's episode of ‪@ShortCircuitPod‬, a podcast by IJ:

2 months ago | [YT] | 72



@larrymiller9873

Put him in a h2s situation and see how fast he's looking for a razor.

2 months ago | 6

@fishgutz4272

No religious exception for firefighters. It is about safety. The proective mask can't seal with a beard.

2 months ago | 13

@Steve-yo4ld

You took a job knowing the requirements, and then you want to argue those requirements! Sorry, you knew what you were signing on for!

2 months ago | 10

@ChuckWood

How will the mask fit with a beard?

2 months ago | 9

@richardbidinger2577

This is a safety thing. If he wants to grow his beard out, it shouldn't be more than 3 or 4 inches if he's a firefighter. He should also have to wear some kind of face covering while on duty, like one of those things NASCAR drivers wear that's supposed to be fireproof, under their helmets.

2 months ago | 7

@RydalS

If you're a firefighter you need to wear a mask. Beard inhibits that

2 months ago | 2

@knowledgeispower6192

If a beard interferes with the safty equipment then it's not even worth discussing.

2 months ago | 3

@955miro

Being clean shaven is a requirement for a respirator to achieve a proper seal, thereby protecting you from being overcome by smoke or toxic fumes. Without a good seal, you will become a liability to the rest of your team, when they have to break off from fighting the actual fire to save you after you pass out. Sorry, find a different profession.

2 months ago | 5

@racher4593

It depends on what Republican Senator she's talking about.

1 month ago | 0

@jeremycable51

Look if it’s that big of a deal transfer jnto the administration side I’m sure they wouldn’t give a damn about his beard then but a big beard in that line of work is a extreme hazard masks don’t seal right

1 month ago | 0

@rudy2781

Shave it. If its part of the dress code to work there find a different career

2 months ago (edited) | 4