(Updated) So TSA Stands for Touching Sister's Afros?

Did I tell you that I've been struggling with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for nearly a year? I'm not talking about the standard security procedures that we have all learned to follow. Yes I keep my 3oz.travel containers to a single gallon sized clear plastic bag. I take off my shoes, empty my pockets, and keep my boarding pass and id at the ready. My "problem" is apparently my hair - and the additional screening it seems to require.

The TSA checked this style -
I used gel. 

Thus far, it has happened most consistently in my home airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. About 2/3 of the time my trips have resulted in some additional screening. (As of this writing I've been searched 4 out of my last 6 outbound flights.) I haven't seen anyone else being screened in this manner. The one time I was early for my flight I asked if anyone else was searched, the TSA agent told me that the woman (of a different racial persuasion) I pointed to HAD also been searched also, but I didn't have the chance to verify that claim. And the looks of shock that I've receive from the people around me EVERY time I get searched tells me that it isn't a common occurrence. 

It isn't necessarily the style of natural hair - my hair has been checked when it was twisted with really simple updos, when my twists have been out, and when it has been in a puff, and we've all heard the recent stories of the ladies with Afros being stopped and searched. I've also had a reader share that her natural hair received additional screening when it was done in two simple braids, with one pinned up, and the other left down..

According to the TSA, this is not based on ethnic or racial profiling. Supposedly, “all passengers are thoroughly screened coming through the screening checkpoint,” said Kristin Lee, a spokeswoman. “Additional screening may be required for clothing, headgear or hair where prohibited items may be hidden,” she said. Another TSA representative stated that they will check any hair that is "too poofy". This poofiness test is seemingly being applied across the country. That is more of an explanation than I've ever received, but it bears further investigation as to whether this is a rule or regulation, and how people are being trained to apply this standard to airport patrons.

The TSA can see this level of detail, but
needs an additional check for my hair?

I find it odd that these machines are calibrated in a way that allows them to look through one's clothing, to the point that people are calling them "virtual strip searches", but they somehow can't manage to see prohibited items being hidden in one's hair. Do they need to re-calibrate the machines? Personally, I'm tired of this additional "precaution". I feel like a target and I'm going to bring more attention to this issue. I'm complaining to the TSA and my Congressmen about this issue. If this has happened to you, please let me know  about it - what is your race and gender, how was your hair styled, did you see anyone else being screened, and have you complained about this search?

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I have an update! I found an article on Gawker.com regarding this issue, and apparently, the machines CANNOT penetrate dense hair. Check it out here. I still have a question as to whether it is TSA agents determining whether to administer the additional screening, or if it the machine sends a warning requiring the check, but in any event, I do feel somewhat comforted in knowing that it is indeed an issue with the calibration, and that according to the Gawker article, this search is being administered to people with dense hair across racial lines.

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Write by: Unknown - Monday, July 23, 2012