Religious Headgear for Prison Visitors OKd

The state Department of Corrections will change its policy to allow visitors to state prisons to wear religious headgear, an official said in Madison.

Corrections Secretary Matt Frank’s announcement came a day after a lawsuit accused the department and two male prison guards of violating a Muslim woman’s right to practice her religion by forcing her to remove her scarf, or hijab, before a prison visit.

“I’m very concerned about the allegations,” Frank said. “We can and will make accommodations to ensure our prison system operates safely and securely while recognizing the right that visitors have to practice their religion.”