Supreme Court Rules That Muslim Prisoner Has Right to Grow Beard

[djg21]

9. Probably wouldn't be allowed.

And a restriction on a longer beards likely would be constitutional. SCOTUS has long recognized the valid penological interest in preventing the trafficking of contraband and protecting institutional security, and that restrictions on religious liberties may be reasonably limited in favor of such interests. Inmates often try to hide weapons and other contraband in their clothing and on their body. Items like razor blades and stabbing weapons can easily be hidden in lengthy hair or facial hair. This would pose an obvious risk both to other inmates and to corrections staff. A 1/2 inch beard may not pose a problem, but a longer beard certainly would.