State sued over Ramadan menu for Muslim inmates

DETROIT (AP) -- The Michigan prison system is being sued over the food offered to Muslim inmates during the month of Ramadan. In their federal suit in Detroit, four inmates say the meals fall short of the typical number of calories and aren't prepared in accordance with Islamic law. Ramadan is a holy four-week period for Muslims, during which they eat only before sunrise and after sundown. The lawsuit says the Corrections Department is discriminating against inmates based on their religion because other prisoners are getting more than 1,000 additional calories during three meals. The Ramadan menu offers two meals, usually a hot cereal and toast for breakfast, and cold cuts, bean burger or poultry and side dishes at dinner. An email seeking comment was sent to the Corrections Department. Published: Thu, May 2, 2013