Imagine holding a sacred vow for nearly 20 years, only to have it violently stripped away in minutes.

That’s what happened to Damon Landor, a devout Rastafarian whose dreadlocks were brutally shaved off by officers at Raymond Laborde Correction Center in Louisiana. Damon had just three weeks left in his sentence when this violation occurred.

He even carried a court ruling that protected his right to keep his hair for religious reasons.

But officials ignored it. They tied him to a chair. They shaved his head.

The prison had no right to do what they did. Damon’s religious freedom is protected under federal law—specifically, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). And yet, his rights were trampled simply because the officials didn’t understand or respect his beliefs.

Now, the Supreme Court is deciding whether Damon can be awarded damages for the pain and humiliation he suffered. The state admits what happened was wrong, but still argues he doesn’t deserve compensation.

That’s unacceptable. 

Sign this petition to show your support for Damon Landor and urge the Supreme Court to uphold the right to justice and religious freedom.

Religious rights don’t stop at prison doors.

Photo: Supreme Court of the United States