Jan 23, 1985 - Indians could be granted exceptions from the haircut rule because the religious beliefs of some tribes call for long hair.
Warden Wants Control -
Of Inmates' Hair Length
1985 Jan 23, Logansport Pharos Tribute
Boise, Idaho - The mustached warden of the Idaho Penitentiary wants to outlaw long hair and beards on convicts.
But state lawyers warn that Indian and Jewish inmates may go to court to keep their long hair and beards.
Prison Warden Arvon Arave said Tuesday that he wants all inmates clean-shaven so that he can maintain order at the overcrowded prison.
"I've got a natural prejudice against long hair and beards," Arave said. "There is a connection between that kind of control and control in general."
However, Idaho Deputy Attorney General Robert Gates told the state Corrections Board that the panel could be sued if prison officials continue to prohibit Indians from wearing long hair and orthodox Jews from sporting full beards.
He said several federal courts have ruled prison grooming standards cannot infringe on the religious beliefs of inmates.
"It may cost more money than it's worth," to defend against threatened lawsuits over the grooming standards, Gates warned.
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