Gregory H. Holt, who filed a handwritten petition asking the justices to hear his case, is an inmate who says his Muslim faith requires him to have a beard. He argues that justifications for the no-beard policy are illogical. Prison officials say its an issue of hygiene and safety because contraband can be concealed in facial hair. Holt says other items, such as shoes, can be more easily used to smuggle contraband than a short beard.

Read the full article from The New York Times.