Supreme Court to hear case of Rastafarian man seeking to sue prison officials

Main Idea: The Supreme Court will hear Damon Landor’s case seeking money damages after Louisiana prison officials shaved his dreadlocks, which he says violated his Rastafarian faith.

Key Points:

• Landor says he followed the Rastafarian vow to grow his hair for nearly 20 years before the prison cut it.
• He says guards ignored proof of his religious rights and forced him into a chair to shave his head.
• Lower courts said he could not get money damages from state officials under RLUIPA, the law protecting inmates’ religious exercise.
• The Supreme Court will hear the case next term, and a ruling is expected by summer 2026.