Supreme Court Takes On Case of Louisiana Man’s Locs Cut by Guards Despite Legal Protections

The Supreme Court has decided to consider an appeal concerning a religious rights case involving a committed Rastafarian, Damon Landor. In 2020, Louisiana prison guards cut off Landor's locs, which he had vowed not to cut, inciting the question of whether he can sue for monetary damages over the infringement of his religious liberties.Having grown his hair for nearly two decades, Landor was serving a five-month sentence linked to a drug charge when the incident occurred. Despite holding documentation that permitted religious accommodations for Rastafarians, guards disregarded this, handcuffed him, and abruptly shaved his hair.Following his release, Landor initiated legal action under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act; however, lower courts dismissed his claims. Louisiana officials acknowledged the incident, claiming to have altered policies to prevent future occurrences. They argued Landor could not pursue personal accountability against correctional officials. The Supreme Court will address this case in the upcoming term, starting in October 2023.