(WZTV) Rutherford County has settled a lawsuit filed by a Muslim woman who was required to remove her hijab for a booking photo.
Sophia Johnston was booked on a charge in August of last year that has since been dismissed.
During the booking process, Johnston asked for a religious accommodation explaining devout Muslim women believe only their immediate family should see their hair.
As part of her settlement agreement, Rutherford County has agreed to:
- Pay Ms. Johnston $100,000
- Update its booking and jail policies to accommodate religious attire
- Delete Ms. Johnston’s booking photos and all video footage in which she was depicted without wearing her hijab
