Why one Muslim Department of Corrections worker hasn't shaved his beard, despite new policy

Published March 9, 2023 at 12:40 PM CST

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Inmates pass a correctional officer as they leave an exercise yard. (Rich Pedroncelli/AP)

The California Department of Corrections is facing criticism after a new policy requires guards to shave facial hair so they get a proper seal on face masks to prevent against COVID-19 infection. Sikh and Muslim workers say they’re being forced to choose between their religion and their job.

Here & Now‘s Deepa Fernandes speaks with one officer at the California Department of Corrections about his experience with the policy.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.