Case Overview

Muslim Advocates represents Dwinel Monroe, an African American Muslim man who was formerly incarcerated by New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”).  While Mr. Monroe was in DOCCS custody, he was unjustly forced by prison officials to decide between receiving his daily insulin or fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan. In his lawsuit, Mr. Monroe is seeking to hold DOCCS liable for violating his rights.

In June 2015, while Mr. Monroe was still in DOCCS custody, he sought to fast during the month of Ramadan. As an observant, practicing Muslim, Mr. Monroe sought to abstain from food, drink, or medication from sunup to sundown. He requested DOCCS staff allow him to adjust his insulin schedule so that he could safely fast. DOCCS staff refused to do so, and their actions ultimately forced Mr. Monroe to stop fasting in order to maintain his health. As such, Mr. Monroe was unable to keep his fast during Ramadan 2015.

Muslim Advocates began representing Mr. Monroe in February 2018.

CASE DETAILS

Date filed: October 3, 2012

Court(s):  United States District Court for the Southern District of New York