The New York City Board of Correction is proposing to remove the term 'inmate' from its jail regulations and replace it with 'person in custody.' The change is part of a broader effort to adopt person-first language, which began in 2021 when the board started revising its Minimum Standards. The latest proposal would extend these revisions to additional sections of the regulations.
Core Facts & Immediate Action
The Board of Correction has already replaced references to 'inmates' with terms like 'people,' 'persons,' and 'individuals in custody' in some sections. For example, a section previously titled 'Classification of Prisoners' has been renamed 'Classification of People in Custody.' The proposal defines a 'person in custody' as 'any person confined in a facility.' The changes aim to align with the board's 2021 commitment to person-first language, which emphasizes that incarceration should not define an individual.
Deeper Dive & Context
Rationale for the Change
The Board of Correction argues that incarceration should not be the defining characteristic of an individual. In 2021, the board stated, 'People in DOC custody are people first and the circumstance of their incarceration is not their defining feature.' The proposal notes that the board is continuing its earlier work to remove references to 'inmates' in favor of person-first terms.
Broader Context
New York City is not alone in moving away from the term 'inmate.' Other jurisdictions and organizations have also adopted person-first language in recent years. The changes reflect a growing recognition of the importance of language in shaping perceptions of incarcerated individuals.
Public and Political Reactions
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions. Some advocates support the change, arguing that it promotes dignity and respect for incarcerated individuals. Others have criticized the move, suggesting it is part of a broader 'woke' agenda that prioritizes language over practical concerns. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been vocal about criminal justice reform, has faced backlash for actions unrelated to the language proposal, such as visiting Rikers Island to watch a World Cup match with incarcerated individuals.
Long-Term Implications
The language change could influence how other jurisdictions and institutions refer to incarcerated individuals. It may also contribute to broader discussions about the role of language in criminal justice reform and the treatment of incarcerated individuals.