STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Army Apologizes, Drops Use of Word 'Negro'

The term was removed from a policy document following public backlash.

Until Thursday, the U.S. Army had deemed the term “Negro” an acceptable alternative to “Black” or "African-American” when describing Black service members.

AP reports that the word has since been dropped from “Army Command Policy,” the document in which it had originally appeared.

The move came shortly after CNN published an article earlier this week titled “Army says word ‘Negro’ OK to use.” Critics soon took to social media to express their outrage.

"The U.S. Army fully recognized, and promptly acted, to remove outdated language in Army Regulation 600-20 as soon as it was brought to our attention," said Lt. Col. Alayne Conway, an Army spokeswoman, in a statement Thursday, USA Today reports. "The Army takes pride in sustaining a culture where all personnel are treated with dignity and respect.”

Conway offered an apology to anyone who was offended by the language.

According to RT, “Negro” had survived updates made to the document as late as Oct. 22. It is unclear when the term was added.

The Army came under fire earlier this year after updating its hairstyle policies to prohibit several popular Black styles and using words like “matted and unkempt” to describe them. In August, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced that the military had decided to revise and expand their ethnic hairstyle policies.

Watch Kevin Hart in a new episode of Real Husbands of Hollywood every Tuesday, 10P/9C.

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

(Photo: REUTERS/Erik De Castro)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.