The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed a federal court order requiring the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to temporarily stop denying religious accommodations for peace officers (POs) and do more for officers who wear facial hair for religious reasons.
SEE: Court Orders California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to Pause its No-Beard Policy
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, a federal judge issued a court order stating that the CDCR must temporarily stop enforcing its no-beard policy for POs who ask to wear facial hair for religious reasons, such as Sikhs and Muslims. The order also states that the department cannot act against officers seeking accommodation for their religious beliefs.
Under the temporary court order, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will investigate whether the CDCR has violated the officers’ rights to reasonable accommodations.
The judge’s decision follows an action filed by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in March, challenging the CDCR on its repeated denial of religious accommodations after implementing a revised facial hair policy for POs last year. Due to accommodation denials, officers were forced to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs by shaving their beards or risk losing their jobs.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“Religious observances are integral parts of individual and collective identities, and no employee should have to choose between their job and their sincerely held religious beliefs. Accommodation for these beliefs is not just a courtesy, it is a fundamental right that must be respected in every aspect of public service.
“We welcome the judge’s order as a significant step towards ensuring that people of all faiths working in California correctional facilities can perform their jobs with dignity.”
Last year, CAIR-CA co-sponsored SB 309, which aimed to create a statewide policy ensuring the right to religious headwear, clothing, and grooming for those in California’s carceral system. Previously, the provision was applied inconsistently throughout the state and did not meet the heightened protections under federal law. The bill was signed into law by Governor Newsom in October 2023.
To report any form of religious discrimination, contact your local CAIR office or click here to file a report.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Madi Morse-Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com