North Carolina’s prison system has been found guilty of abusing religious freedom, forcing inmates to miss out on group worship and kosher meals. The guilty verdict was reached after a lengthy investigation by the Justice Department into the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC).
The investigation, conducted under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), found that NCDAC’s policies disproportionately affected minority faith groups, including Islam and Judaism. Under the previous policy, these groups were required to have a minimum of four participants and a faith helper present for group worship, making it difficult for them to gather and practice their faith.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said, ‘The Constitution and federal law guarantee all Americans the freedom to practice their religion, including people who are incarcerated in jails and prisons.’ Clarke continued, ‘This agreement will protect the religious practices of incarcerated people across North Carolina by allowing members of minority faiths to gather, worship and study.’
U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina added, ‘Federal law guarantees all Americans the right to freely exercise their religion, and institutionalized persons have the right to practice their faith and worship together.’ Hairston stated, ‘We are committed to protecting this fundamental right and are grateful to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for its willingness to work with us and revise its policies to protect the religious rights of individuals in its custody.’
Under the new agreement, NCDAC has adopted a policy that reduces the minimum number of people required for group worship to two and no longer requires the presence of a faith helper. Additionally, the department will provide certified kosher-for-Passover meals every year for the eight days of Passover, as well as two Seder ritual observances, which will include a Seder plate of ceremonial foods.
The settlement is a major victory for the Justice Department and the inmates who have been fighting for their right to practice their faith. It highlights the importance of protecting the religious freedom of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
The agreement is a result of a thorough investigation by the Justice Department and is a testament to the country’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and federal law. As Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said, ‘Whether at home with their families, in houses of worship, or behind bars, every person should be able to celebrate religious holidays and gather with their communities of faith.’
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section are responsible for enforcing federal laws that protect the rights of institutionalized persons. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Human Rights|Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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