Smith v. RI Department of Corrections

  • Filed: June 13, 2025
  • Status: Active
  • Court: U.S. District Court District of Rhode Island
  • Latest Update: Jun 13, 2025
Green background with blue text and text boxes that says “FIRST AMENDMENT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM” and “Smith v. RI Dept. of Corrections”

Summary

This lawsuit was filed on behalf of three Native Americans at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), and argues that Rhode Island Department of Corrections has refused to accommodate an array of religious practices.

This lawsuit was filed on behalf of three Native Americans at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), and argues that Rhode Island Department of Corrections has refused to accommodate an array of religious practices that Native Americans are routinely allowed to practice in federal and state prisons across the country.

Case Number:
1:25-cv-00272
Attorney(s):
Jared Goldstein, Lynette Labinger
Partner Organizations:
Roger Williams University Law Prisoners’ Rights Clinic

Documents

News & Commentary

Jun 13, 2025

ACLU and RWU Law School Clinic Sue Again Over ACI’s Failure to Accommodate an Incarcerated Native Americans' Religious Freedom

The lawsuit argues that RIDOC has refused to accommodate an array of religious practices that Native Americans are routinely allowed to practice in federal and state prisons across the country.

Light green graphic showing the plaintiff’s Apache headband

Learn More About the Issues in This Case

First Amendment View All Issues

Related News & Podcasts

News & Commentary
Jun 13, 2025
Light green graphic showing the plaintiff’s Apache headband
  • First Amendment|
  • +1 Issue

ACLU and RWU Law School Clinic Sue Again Over ACI’s Failure to Accommodate an Incarcerated Native Americans' Religious Freedom

The lawsuit argues that RIDOC has refused to accommodate an array of religious practices that Native Americans are routinely allowed to practice in federal and state prisons across the country.

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Pawochawog-Mequinosh v. RI Dept. of Corrections
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Pawochawog-Mequinosh v. RI Dept. of Corrections

Cooperating attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island filed a federal lawsuit against DOC officials for refusing to accommodate the religious practices of a Native American prisoner.