Court system

SCOTUS Blocks Rastafarian's Suit Over Forced Haircut

Does the ruling show the Supreme Court's bias against non-Christians or simply uphold settled law?

1 day ago·Updated 10 hours ago

SCOTUS Blocks Rastafarian's Suit Over Forced Haircut

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Above: The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on June 23, 2026. Image credit: Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Democratic narrative

The Supreme Court's conservative majority has made it crystal clear that religious freedom is only for some Americans. Guards literally threw out a court order protecting Damon Landor's religious rights, chained him to a chair and shaved his head — and the court said he has no recourse. This court bends over backward for conservative Christians but lets the government trample the religious freedom of a Black Rastafarian man without consequence.

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Phil Lewis on X Vox

Republican narrative

Ten federal appeals courts have already held that RLUIPA doesn't permit prisoners to sue prison officials personally for damages, and the Supreme Court simply confirmed what was already settled law. Louisiana condemned the conduct and changed its policies, so the system worked as intended. Holding individual prison employees personally liable for following orders goes far beyond what Congress actually wrote into the law.

Liz Murrill on X