As I have thought some about this, here is the question and the Rights that comes into play:

CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF; OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS; OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE, AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.

I don’t see this as an age issue, or anything of that nature, it is simply put, a religious issue. One of the huge mistakes and reasons for misunderstanding on issues like this is the assumption of knowledge as to what a religious group thinks, and what is required for their practice of faith. I challenge that to some religious groups, beards are an important part of their religious belief. It does not matter if I agree or not, understand it or not, it is a part of that individual’s religious belief and they have the right to the Free Exercise Thereof clause.

In the past there have been many rules, and laws, that have been changed for one reason or another, including the fact that they violated individual personal liberties. I hate to admit this, but I can still remember some laws and rules, even within public schools, that discriminated based on race and gender. Thankfully some of those laws have been changed, and hopefully, and eventually, some of those laws related to gender will be reconsidered and interpreted and enforced differently (Title IX for example.) To simply state that it is the rule, or that it is the law for myself is not the answer. The answer should be based on is it based on the individuals rights. My personal belief is that to violate ones religious liberties as established under the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, is a fair harsher reality than not allowing that person the rights as is supposedly guaranteed under the Constitution.

I have done some searching on this, and personally, I can’t find a single case where an issue like this was challenged in a court. Any lawyers out there have any information it would be interesting to see.