The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review a case brought by a Rastafarian inmate who claims his religious rights were violated when prison officials forced him to shave his dreadlocks. The prisoner argues that his dreadlocks are a sacred expression of his faith, while the state maintains that grooming policies are necessary for security and hygiene. The outcome could clarify how far prisons must go to accommodate religious practices.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about hair—it’s a high-stakes test of how religious freedoms hold up behind bars. If the Court sides with the inmate, it could force prisons nationwide to rethink strict grooming rules. But if they rule for the state, it might signal tighter limits on religious accommodations in restrictive environments. Either way, it’s a reminder of how deeply personal beliefs can clash with institutional rules.