Which constitutional amendment is impacted if a Muslim inmate's request for a special diet is denied?

The First Amendment is the correct choice because it addresses fundamental religious freedoms, including the right to practice one's religion without interference. When a Muslim inmate requests a special diet that aligns with their religious beliefs, the denial of that request can be seen as a violation of their free exercise of religion. The First Amendment protects individuals from government actions that impinge on their religious practices, and in this scenario, the inmate's ability to adhere to their religious dietary laws is central to their faith.

In this context, protecting the rights of inmates to practice their religion in prison extends to allowing them to have access to food that complies with their religious dietary requirements. Denying this request could be viewed as a form of discrimination based on religion, which would contravene the protections afforded under the First Amendment.