Houston city officials are taking a slice out of their coffers to support an unpopular beard ban — and it’s got several officers crying discrimination.

Four Houston police officers have brought a lawsuit against the city because of a no-facial hair policy that was put in place in 1993. The city council has unanimously authorized spending up to $150K to support the ban (that’s a lot of beard-trimmers if you ask us). When asked why facial hair had to go, the city responded by claiming smooth faces make officers appear both conservative and professional.

The officers filed the lawsuit saying the ban discriminates against men who suffer from skin conditions that react to shaving. Irritation, rashes and ingrown hair are just a few of the problems the ban’s causing.

Officers are also complaining because they feel the ban negatively affects secondary jobs and earning potential. We’re not sure what positions would be adversely affected by being clean-shaven — unless the  officers are moonlighting as lumberjacks, Santa Claus or Father Time.

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Tags: Discrimination, Facial hair, Santa Claus, Skin condition