Air Force officials are investigating allegations that a Black airman is not being considered for a higher position because the military branch is “looking for somebody of white complexion.”

The widely shared text exchange was first posted anonymously on the Facebook page Air Force amn/snco/nco on May 4. Though many commenters claimed the conversation was fake, military officials are taking the post seriously.

Task & Purpose, an online military publication, identified the sender of the text as a white technical sergeant and the recipient as a Black senior airman, both serving in the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron in Arizona.

“We won’t be sending your name up for [redacted] at the squadron,” the white technical sergeant allegedly said.

When the senior airman asked why he was being passed up for the position, the sergeant allegedly said it was in part because of his race.

“We personally do not feel as if you are a good choice for the squadron,” the text read. “You currently have a shaving waiver which isn’t a professional image, and I think the air force is looking for somebody of white complexion and with the image that the air force needs.”

The airman replied that this is the third time he was passed for a position based on his looks and on “personal preference.” FULL STORY HERE