The federal government is asking a court to block California from enforcing a rule requiring correctional officers to keep clean-shaven beards, saying it constitutes religious discrimination against Sikhs, Muslims and others who wear beards as an expression of their faith. .
A civil rights lawsuit filed Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice says the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s ban on facial hair denies work accommodations to employees of different religious beliefs.
Biological males are now welcomed into California women’s prisons: ‘The challenge of female erasure’
The Justice Department said in a statement that the temporary court would “allow officers to grow beards while CDCR fully evaluates options to provide religious accommodations while complying with California safety regulations.” He said he was seeking orders.
“Employees who are Sikhs, Muslims, or other minority faiths should not be forced to choose between practicing their faith and working,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark said in a statement. “Religious freedom and religious accommodation are fundamental principles of our democracy. We are taking action to ensure that the rights of employees of minority faiths are respected and included in the workplace. ”
The Department of Corrections has argued that the beard ban rule stems from the requirement that certain employees, including guards, wear close-fitting respirators, and state law requires them to wear tight-fitting respirators during the coronavirus pandemic. Facial hair must not interfere with the use of the mask once worn. According to court documents cited by the Sacramento Bee.
Seen at the Federal Correctional Facility in Dublin, California on December 5, 2022. The federal government is asking a court to block enforcement of a California rule banning prison guards from wearing beards. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
In a statement emailed to The Associated Press, the state agency defended its policy.
“CDCR respects all sincerely held religious beliefs and strives to reasonably accommodate individuals seeking reasonable religious accommodations to the extent consistent with other legal obligations.” said spokeswoman Mary Jimenez on Tuesday.
“For certain functions in state prison operations and for the safety and protection of incarcerated people and other staff, close-fitting gas masks are legally required under the Workplace Safety Act. CDCR is in full compliance with the law, and we wear these masks with confidence.” The court will agree,” Jimenez said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Justice Department’s complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento, also seeks a court order prohibiting retaliation or discipline against officers who request to grow or maintain a beard as the case progresses.
