Supreme Court to weigh Muslim inmate's appeal to grow a beard

WASH, D.C. - Facial hair will be getting a close look from the Supreme Court in its next term.

The justices agreed Monday to hear a case about whether an Arkansas inmate must be allowed to grow a short beard in accordance with his religious beliefs. The justices will weigh an appeal from prisoner Gregory Holt, who says his Muslim beliefs require him to grow the beard.

State corrections officials say their grooming policy prohibiting beards promotes hygiene and safety. The court previously blocked the state from forcing Holt to shave the beard while his appeal was under consideration.

The 38-year-old Holt is serving a life sentence for domestic violence and burglary. Prosecutors alleged that Holt cut his girlfriend's throat and stabbed her in the chest at her mobile home. Holt's appeal of the facial hair matter was handwritten and filed without the benefit of an attorney, and the high court rarely accepts such cases.

The justices will appoint a lawyer to assist Holt in presenting his arguments.