Shaved bald: A Rastafari fight for justice at Supreme Court

When the nation’s highest court considered its first-ever case involving Rastafari this week, none of the Supreme Court justices or attorneys involved named the minority faith, much less raised its tenets or the sacred importance of dreadlocks. Still, for devout Rastafarians the landmark legal battle over protecting religious freedom behind bars was a milestone many in the community said highlights a long history of discrimination and alleged lack of accountability. At the heart of the case is Damon Landor of Louisiana, a self-described devout Rastafarian, who had grown his hair uncut for almost 20 years as part of a promise in his faith known as the Nazarite Vow. The Rastafari religion, originating in 1930s Jamaica, recognizes an Ethiopian messiah and teachings of justice, righteousness,