New York Inmates Win Right to View Solar Eclipse After Lawsuit

Settlement reached with Department of Corrections allows inmates to observe rare celestial event, highlighting constitutional rights to religious practice.

Six New York state inmates win the right to view Monday's solar eclipse following a lawsuit against the Department of Corrections over a planned lockdown.
The inmates, from varying religious backgrounds, argued the lockdown violated their constitutional rights to practice their faiths.
The settlement allows them to view the eclipse in the prison yard with safety glasses provided, but does not extend to other inmates without a religious claim.
The next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. will not occur until 2044, making this event especially significant for the plaintiffs.
Corrections officials began reviewing religious accommodation requests before the lawsuit was filed, suggesting a precedent for future religious or significant events.