Settlement Preparations Underway in Lawsuit Over Hijab Removal at Warren County Regional Jail

Bowling Green, Kentucky – A development has emerged in a federal lawsuit instigated in November 2023 by a Muslim woman against staff at the Warren County Regional Jail. The plaintiff alleges that she was unlawfully forced to remove her hijab upon her booking, an action that profoundly flouts her religious rights.

About the Hijab

The hijab is a customary headscarf worn by numerous Muslim women. This ensemble covers their hair, neck, and at times their ears, but leaves their face exposed. The hijab is donned as a token of modesty and confidentiality, exhibiting adherence to Islamic principles.

Settlement Details and Participants

This Monday, a notice was registered stating that the complainant, whose name remains unrevealed, has reconciled certain allegations against Warren County Jailer Stephen Harmon and Deputy Jailer Brooke L. Harp. Regrettably, the specifics regarding the nature of these accusations were not explicitly mentioned in the statement, and are simply referred to as “remaining claims”.

“We welcome the settlement of this case and hope correctional institutions nationwide will take note and implement policies that protect the religious rights of all those in custody,” affirmed CAIR Legal Fellow Aya Beydoun. “The rights of Americans do not stop at the jailhouse door.”

The Next Steps

As final settlement documents are being adjusted, an agreed order of dismissal is likely to be presented before the court. Matthew Cook, attorney representing Harmon and Harp, conveyed on Monday afternoon that settling the paperwork might consume a few days, and that additional information could be disseminated once these are fully prepared.

Original Lawsuit

In the original suit, several individuals were singled out including a Bowling Green police officer, two officials at Warren County Regional Jail, and the Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman. Following the issuance of an amended complaint and a subsequent order by Judge Greg Stivers on February 16, these individuals have since been removed from the lawsuit.

This is an ongoing story, and more details will be provided as close monitoring continues.

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