MPAC's First Amendment Center Expresses Concern Over Supreme Court Ruling Limiting Accountability for Religious Freedom Violations
Washington, D.C. | mpac.org | July 6, 2026—The Muslim Public Affairs Council's (MPAC) First Amendment Center is deeply concerned by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections, which prevents incarcerated individuals from seeking monetary damages against prison officials who violate their religious rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
The facts of this case are particularly troubling. Damon Landor, a devout Rastafarian, informed prison officials that his faith prohibited cutting his hair and even provided them with a court ruling recognizing those protections. According to the record, that ruling was discarded before officials forcibly shaved his dreadlocks anyway. While the Court acknowledged the seriousness of what occurred, it nevertheless concluded that RLUIPA does not permit individuals to hold government officials personally accountable for damages.
Religious liberty is only meaningful when there are effective remedies for those whose rights have been violated. This decision creates a dangerous precedent by weakening accountability for government officials who unlawfully burden an individual's sincerely held religious beliefs, particularly those in government custody who have few avenues to protect their constitutional rights.
Dahlia Taha, Founding Director of MPAC's First Amendment Center, said:
"Religious freedom cannot exist without accountability. This ruling sends a troubling message that government officials may violate an individual's sincerely held religious beliefs without facing meaningful consequences. Constitutional rights do not disappear behind prison walls, and neither should the remedies that protect them."
MPAC's First Amendment Center remains committed to defending the free exercise of religion for all people, including those whose constitutional rights are most vulnerable.
