Panel to provide religious programming

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

COLUMBUS — A state panel has approved about $134,000 to provide Muslim and Jewish religious programming for prison inmates.

The Controlling Board, without comment, approved contract-renewals for the next two fiscal years with Native Sun Positive Human Development in Columbus and Chabad House of Cincinnati.

Prison inmates retain their rights to practice their religious beliefs while incarcerated.

According to documents, “The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is legally required to make provision for their religious exercise.” The services are considered essential components in inmates’ rehabilitation and eventual release, according to documents.

They provide “support helping inmates cope with and adjust to the stresses of confinement in an institution” and “a positive outlet for inmates and thereby, assists in maintaining a high quality of life in the institutions,” according to documents.

Native Sun will provide Muslim services at four state-prison facilities at a cost of $79,680. Chabad House will provide Jewish services to inmates at four facilities at a cost of $54,360.64.