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California prison visitors allowed religious headgear, benefits Sikhs
Headwear can only be inspected after a failed screening and must be done privately and respectfully.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Wed, 11, Jun 2025
- 02:29 EDT
- 46
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Representative Image / Pexels
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has modified its policy to allow visitors to California prisons to wear religious headwear, such as Sikh dastars, while visiting incarcerated individuals.
Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) has been leading the advocacy for bringing this change.
The earlier policy required prior written approval for visitors wishing to wear religious headgear while visiting the prison. However, the new policy makes sure that this is no longer the case.
ALSO READ: SALDEF to host Sikh storytelling event in Chicago
Under the new policy, headwear can only be inspected after a failed screening and must be done privately and respectfully.
SALDEF described the decision as a “huge win for faith-based communities” and a “major victory for religious rights in CA prisons.” on X.
The memo for the policy change was issued in April 2025 and training for the staff was mandated.
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