Coleman v. Jones et al, No. 1:2018cv00931 - Document 99 (E.D. Va. 2020)

Court Description: MEMORANDUM OPINION and ORDER granting 63 Motion for Summary Judgment. Signed by District Judge Anthony J Trenga on 8/26/2020. (rban, copy mailed)

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Coleman v. Jones et al Doc. 99 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 1 of 20 PageID# 689 Dockets.Justia.com Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 2 of 20 PageID# 690 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 3 of 20 PageID# 691 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 4 of 20 PageID# 692 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 5 of 20 PageID# 693 on May 23, 2018 because Plaintiff is not Jewish. Jones Dep. 44:14-18, 82:21-83:2, 86:8-11; [Doc. No. 66-12]. One week later, Plaintiff spoke to Major Johnson about his request for the Kosher diet. SAC 28; Answer 28. Major Johnson also denied Plaintiff's request because he was not Jewish. SAC 29; Answer 29; Johnson Dep. 56:10-12, 58:8, 79:7-12. Finally, in early June 2018, Sgt. Jones denied another request from Plaintiff for the Kosher diet because "we don't serve Muslim kosher meals." [Doc. No. 66-16]; Jones Dep. 108:20-109:9. The Sheri tr s Office policy states that the staff will make reasonable efforts to facilitate inmates' free exercise of their religion. [Doc. No. 66-5]. Plaintiff asserts that Sgt. Jones and Major Johnson never elevated concerns to supervisors who could change the policy or practice or make an exception, which was an option for them. See [Doc. No. 66-18] Deposition of Lieutenant Green ("Green Dep.") at 96:9-97:18, 107:14-108:14. Physical and Mental Effects The parties disagree regarding the effects of the meatless Halal diet on Plaintiffs physical condition. Plaintiff alleges that the diet "left him undernourished, bony, and feeling weak and unbalanced." [Doc. No. 66-14] Plfs Responses to Defs' First Set oflnterrogatories, at 7-8. Plaintiff asserts that "Muslims, including Mr. Coleman, generally believe that the absence of meat in one's diet will cause certain physical and psychological damage such as the weakening or loss of hearing and vision, and the loss of control over one's temper." [Doc. No. 66-14] at 7. He experienced significant bowel pain and discomfort, and lost 15 to 25 pounds during his incarceration at the Henrico County Jail. Id; [Doc. No. 66-13]; [Doc. No. 66-15] (redacted medical records). 5 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 6 of 20 PageID# 694 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 7 of 20 PageID# 695 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 8 of 20 PageID# 696 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 9 of 20 PageID# 697 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 10 of 20 PageID# 698 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 11 of 20 PageID# 699 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 12 of 20 PageID# 700 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 13 of 20 PageID# 701 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 14 of 20 PageID# 702 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 15 of 20 PageID# 703 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 16 of 20 PageID# 704 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 17 of 20 PageID# 705 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 18 of 20 PageID# 706 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 19 of 20 PageID# 707 Case 1:18-cv-00931-AJT-IDD Document 99 Filed 08/26/20 Page 20 of 20 PageID# 708

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