California’s Corrections Officers Ordered to Shave Beards Are Backed by US Justice Department

Correctional officers in California last year were required to shave their beards under a revised policy from the state Department of Corrections, which has since denied several requests for religious exemptions, according to a news release by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Justice Department has since requested a temporary court order allowing officers with religious reasons to be exempt from the new policy until an investigation concludes, officials said in a March 25 press release. “Sikhs, Muslims, and employees of any faith should not be forced to choose between the practice of their faith and their jobs,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarkesaid in the press release.  “As faith communities celebrate Ramadan and other important holidays across religions in the coming weeks, the Justice Department will continue to combat religious discrimination in the workplace.”...