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The Supreme Court has ruled that Damon Landor, a practicing Rastafarian, can proceed with his lawsuit against the Louisiana Department of Corrections after prison officials forcibly cut his locs, violating his religious beliefs.

Though a lower court dismissed his case, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of allowing damages for violations of religious freedom.

Landor argues he deserves compensation, rejecting the state’s claim that updated policies eliminate the need for legal consequences.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/supreme-court-rastafarian-locs-louisiana-inmate-landor/

Robert F. Smith , CEO of Vista Equity Partners announced that more than $20 billion was raised for its latest fund. It is the largest in history, People of Color In Tech reports.

The fund passed the previous record of $17 billion raised in 2019. Smith shared how the company is fully committed to "taking advantage of AI tools to boost its portfolio companies’ performances and will do its due diligence around AI-related businesses" for the foreseeable future.

“You will also hear more about how we have adopted generative artificial intelligence not just as a tool but as a pivotal component of our value creation and underwriting processes,” Smith said.

“This has enabled us to identify and capitalize on opportunities, including dramatically expanding TAM, product innovation, GTM strategies, with greater precision and speed, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market landscape.”

Before the launch of its last fund, in 2019, Vista Equity Partners closed on $17 billion for its seventh fund, which was “the largest technology-focused private equity vehicle ever raised,” Bloomberg reported.

As of 2023, the firm has $100 billion in assets under management.