Air Force: Hats Off, Says the High Court

Hats Off, Says the High Court

Simcha Goldman wore two hats, literally. As an Air Force captain, he wore a regulation uniform cap when outdoors. Once indoors, he would remove it and, as an Orthodox Jew required to keep his head covered at all times, would put on a small skullcap, or yarmulke. When his commander told him to doff the skullcap, Goldman sued, arguing that the order violated his right to exercise his religious beliefs.

Last week the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that Orthodox servicemen like Goldman can be faithful to one hat only, upholding the military's argument that strict enforcement of dress codes...

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