Damon Landor

Damon Landor is a former Louisiana inmate and Rastafarian who brought a lawsuit against prison officials. He alleged that his dreadlocks were forcibly shaved in violation of his religious beliefs. The case was filed under a federal law designed to protect incarcerated individuals from religious discrimination. However, the US Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, dismissed Landor's case. The court determined that state employees are not subject to lawsuits for monetary damages under this specific federal religious freedom law, as it does not apply to individual officials in this context. This ruling means Landor cannot sue the prison guards who cut his hair for financial compensation, despite the court acknowledging the distressing nature of the event. The case is significant as it clarifies the application of federal religious freedom laws concerning state employees and incarcerated individuals.