RI Dept. of Corrections Reaches Agreement with ACLU and RWU Law on Religious Expression

RI Dept. of Corrections Reaches Agreement with ACLU and RWU Law on Religious Expression

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) announced on Tuesday it has reached an agreement with the Rhode Island American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Roger Williams University School of Law Clinic (RWU) regarding an inmate who sought to follow certain religious practices of the White Mountain Apache, including wearing a headband.

“We believe in maintaining a constitutional and balanced approach to security when enacting protocols and procedures,” said RIDOC Director Wayne T. Salisbury Jr. “I am pleased we were able to work with our counterparts to resolve this matter in way that both acknowledges the constitutional rights of our population and preserves our efforts to maintain safety in our secure facilities.”

After various conferences with legal counsel for the individual and the United States District Court, RIDOC and the ACLU/RWU reached a settlement agreement which will result in the dismissal of the complaint and no fault attributed to RIDOC.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

The wearing of headbands and access to various religious items without reasonable and legally permissible limitations raise several security concerns within RIDOC’s facilities, as these items can be repurposed in ways that could present a safety risk to staff and the incarcerated population, said RIDOC.

The agreement was reached, which allows RIDOC to maintain security and minimize safety risks while permitting the Plaintiff to wear an approved headband and access approved items in accordance with his religious beliefs and applicable policies.