DRAFT Universal Hair Exemption Letter TO: United ... - RasTa Ites

vocabulary of resistance. He says:
'The symbol of dreadlocks became a lasting sign of black pride. It was a symbol
which was to gain international significance after reggae artists took on the
physical appearance of the [Rastafarian] Dreads and exposed the culture [and
spirituality] of the hills to the saloons of London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam, the
the big musical centres of Los Angeles and New York, and ultimately to the
Independence Celebration in Zimbabwe.
This explosion of the symbols of the Rastafari has met with opposition from the
establishment all over the world. It requires a lot of confidence for African
persons to wear their hair in locks because there is so much persecution of the
Rastafari and dreadlocks, especially among the professional classes.'"
III. Legislation around the world already exists affirming Rastafari inmates
right to wear their covenant of locks.
1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, and The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment are the international legal
instruments that protect the Rastafari inmates rights to wear their covenent of
locks.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 18: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion: This right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and
freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private,
to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and
observance.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights