Fact Check: Inmate Landor hadn't cut his hair in nearly 20 years before prison.

Fact Check: "Inmate Landor hadn't cut his hair in nearly 20 years before prison."

What We Know

Damon Landor, a Rastafarian, entered the Louisiana prison system in 2020 after being sentenced for drug possession. According to multiple sources, he had not cut his hair in nearly two decades prior to his incarceration. Specifically, it is reported that Landor's dreadlocks fell nearly to his knees when he began his five-month sentence, indicating a significant duration of hair growth consistent with his religious beliefs (AP News, New York Times, The Monastery).

During his time in prison, Landor initially faced no issues regarding his hair until he was transferred to the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center, where prison officials forcibly cut his dreadlocks, violating his religious rights (Reuters, AP News). This incident has led to ongoing legal battles regarding the treatment of Rastafarian inmates and their rights to maintain their religious practices while incarcerated.

Analysis

The claim that Landor had not cut his hair in nearly 20 years before entering prison is supported by credible sources. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals explicitly states that Landor kept his promise to not cut his hair for almost two decades. This aligns with reports from major news outlets such as the New York Times and AP News, both of which confirm the duration of Landor's hair growth prior to his incarceration.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they include official court documents and reputable news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards. The context of Landor's case, including his adherence to Rastafarian beliefs—which require long hair—adds further credibility to the claim.

However, it is important to note that while the majority of sources corroborate the claim, there may be nuances in the details of his case that could affect interpretations of the events surrounding his incarceration and subsequent legal actions. Nevertheless, the core fact regarding the duration of his hair growth remains consistent across the evidence.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that inmate Damon Landor had not cut his hair in nearly 20 years before entering prison is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. His adherence to Rastafarian beliefs and the documented length of his dreadlocks prior to incarceration confirm the accuracy of this statement.

Sources

1. PDF United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
2. Supreme Court will hear case of Rastafarian whose dreadlocks were shaved by prison guards
3. US Supreme Court to hear case over Rastafarian man whose head was forcibly shaved in prison
4. His Dreadlocks Shaved by Prison Guards, Rastafarian Man Appeals to Supreme Court
5. Rastafarian Prisoner Whose Head Was Forcibly Shaved Appeals to Supreme Court
6. A Rastafarian Man Was Forced To Cut His Locs In Prison, Now He’s Suing For Religious Infringement