Rastafarians are probably one of the world's least respected and most understood faith groups. A common problem faced by Rastas centers around the religious requirement of hair growth- like the Islamic headscarf and the Sikh kesa, it is not optional for a Rasta to cut or style his/her hair. This doesn't stop government officials from dismissing Rasta beliefs out of hand, however- there are numerous cases every year of schools and prisons forcing unwanted haircuts on students, despite Constitutional prohibitions. It doesn't help much that Rastafarian belief receives little respect. For instance, a reporter for the Virginian-Pilot can barely conceal his contempt for an area prisoner who was forcibly shaven after refusing to cut off his "contraband" dreadlocks.