Little Rock, USA - Prison officials did not violate an inmate's rights when they disciplined him for refusing to cut his hair and beard, which he said would go against his religious beliefs based on the Old Testament, a federal appeals panel has ruled.
Michael Fegans sued over the Arkansas Department of Correction's policy that says male prisoners must keep their hair trimmed above their ears and keep their facial hair trimmed. Fegans, a follower of the Assemblies of Yahweh, was at times placed in administrative segregation, with occasional stays in punitive isolation or solitary confinement. He claims the punishments prevented him from earning good time, which would have reduced his sentence.
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the prison's grooming policy is "reasonably related" to the state's safety and security interests. Long hair or shaggy beards can allow inmates to hide contraband or disguise their appearance, presenting safety issues, the court noted.
Fegans, who was imprisoned on a robbery conviction, also sued the department for not serving him kosher meals. The 8th Circuit agreed with a trial judge's award of $1,500 to Fegans.