Monica Miller

Looking down at inmates in the yard at Northern Nevada Correctional Center

9th Circuit dismisses inmate’s case, says Nevada prisons now appear to be treating Humanists equitably

The case stems from a 2016 lawsuit brought by inmate Benjamin Espinosa against Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) Director James Dzurenda, a prison chaplain, and the department’s Religious Review Team. The lawsuit alleged that Espinosa’s constitutional rights are being denied because NDOC failed to offer Humanists the same benefits as other faith groups.

The Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City, Nevada

Lawyer argues that Humanists — who believe in good without a God — get short shrift in Nevada prisons

In dismissing the original complaint in December 2017, Nevada-based federal Judge Robert C. Jones wrote that Espinosa had failed to say how his Humanist beliefs were distinct from secular moral philosophy to the point that they would qualify as a religion.

Sign up for our newsletters

The Daily Indy

Join more than 20,000 Nevadans who start their day with The Daily Indy, our free flagship daily newsletter that gives you what you need to know in Nevada today.

Behind the Bar

Stay up to date on what you need to know out of the 2025 Nevada Legislature from our team of reporters based in Carson City.

Indy Environment

Written by energy and environment reporter Amy Alonzo, this weekly newsletter is a roundup of environmental goings-on in Nevada and the West.

Indy Gaming

Howard Stutz’s weekly dive into what’s innovative and interesting in Nevada’s gaming, sports and hospitality industries and how it’s shaping the rest of the world.

DC Download

Gabby Birenbaum’s Saturday newsletter brings you the latest news on Nevadans in Washington and how federal policy affects Nevada.

Indy Education

A recap of the top education stories from the week, profiles of interesting staff and students, plus details of family-friendly events and resources throughout the state.

The Nevada Independent