Defense Secretary Esper Announces Actions To Address Discrimination In U.S. Military

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Wednesday that the Pentagon will swiftly undertake a number of steps to address discrimination, prejudice and bias in the armed forces.

Esper announced a list of actions for immediate implementation by the Pentagon. Among them:

Removing photographs from consideration by promotion boards and selection processes.
Conducting bias awareness and bystander intervention trainings.
Reviewing hairstyle and grooming policies for racial bias.
The goal, Esper said in the memo, is "to promote the morale, cohesion, and readiness of the force."

Esper called the actions "a necessary first step" but said he has "no illusions" that these initial changes will fully address the concerns he has heard from many service members.