Three male Native American inmates in Texas will be allowed to grow their hair long as an expression of their religious beliefs after winning a lawsuit against the state prison system. The lead plaintiff and a Cherokee man, 55-year-old Robbie Dow Goodman, said his long hair connected him to his Creator. The department also claimed long hair could symbolize gang affiliation, harbor lice or increase the likelihood of inmates overheating in uncooled units. Security and hygiene concerns were also cited in a similar case in 2015 , in which an appeals court ruled against Native American inmates in Alabama who fought for their right to wear long hair. "Inmates being able to fully express and practice their religion is rehabilitative and reduces recidivism," said attorney Steven Messer, who represented the Texas inmates.

Source: ABC News March 19, 2019 17:56 UTC