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8 Rastafariains Mark Decade In Segregation For Refusing to Cut Their Hair

By Howard M. Friedman

In prisons across Virginia, at least eight Rastafarian prisoners will mark ten years of confinement in segregation cells-- solely because they refuse for religious reasons to cut their hair to comply with prison grooming rules. Yesterday's Richmond Times Dispatch reported that prisoners in segregation are confined to small cells, and are let out only for three showers and five hour-long recreation periods a week. They are allowed one non-contact visit per week and two phone calls per month. While in segregation, they do not earn "good time" parole credits. In 2008, in McRae v. Johnson, the 4th Circuit upheld the application of prison grooming rules to Rastafarian and Muslim inmates, citing hygiene and security considerations. ACLU lawyer Eric Balaban asks: "Why would you use up your valuable space in segregation for these guys?" Former inmate and award-winning author Evans Hopkins plans to ask Virginia governor Tim Kaine to give the Rastafarian inmates some relief.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 08, 2009 (boomark / email).