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| Inmate is allowed to sue over rules for hairstyle |
| By Philadelphia Inquirer |
| Published: 08/12/2004 |
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A Commonwealth Court judge ruled yesterday that an inmate with dreadlocks can proceed with his suit charging that the state Corrections Department's grooming policy violates his right to religious freedom. Larry Meggett, 54, described as a Hebrew Israelite/Nazarite, sued after authorities at the Pennsylvania state prison in Mahanoy turned down his request for an exemption to a rule limiting "Afro styles" of hair to no longer than 4 inches. The department objected to the lawsuit, but Commonwealth Court President Judge James Gardner Colins ruled yesterday that the case should go forward because Meggett may be able to prove that his right to practice his religion is being violated. Colins said there may also be merit to Meggett's argument that the 4-inch limit violates his due-process rights. Prison policy permits male hairstyles that do not fall below the top of the collar, but bans Afros of longer than 4 inches without defining Afro-style hair. Meggett, sentenced in Bucks County, is serving a three- to six-year drug term. |
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