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Virginia DOC, Religious Practice Abuses, Virginia 2023
A federal investigation into the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC) has led to a settlement resolving allegations of religious practice abuses, according to officials.
Under the agreement, VDOC made policy changes addressing three key issues: the five-person minimum for group worship and religious activities, the policy of preventing prisoners from attending religious services if they missed services in the past, and restrictions on access to the religious diet.
The new policy removes the five-person minimum requirement for religious services and activities, prohibits removal from the religious diet for failing to pick up a minimum number of common fare meal trays per month, and removes the requirement that prisoners regularly attend services in order to remain eligible to attend religious services and activities.
The settlement comes after a long investigation by the Civil Rights Division, led by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband.
“This settlement will ensure that men and women in VDOC’s custody can practice their religions consistent with their sincerely held beliefs, including through group worship and an appropriate religious diet,” said Dreiband.
The agreement also includes provisions for VDOC to provide training to staff and chaplains involved in implementing the revised policy, underscoring the importance of protecting the rights of men and women in its custody to engage in religious practice.
U.S. Attorneys Thomas T. Cullen and G. Zachary Terwilliger praised the agreement, stating that it recognizes the fundamental right to worship and engage in religious activities within correctional facilities, as protected by the Constitution and federal law.
The settlement marks a significant step forward in the VDOC’s commitment to rehabilitating prisoners and preparing them for reentry into their communities.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Public Corruption|Human Rights
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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