A directive was reportedly issued during the Trump administration discouraging the utilization of a specific term when referring to individuals with prior felony convictions. This encompassed internal communications within certain governmental departments and agencies, and aimed to promote the use of alternative, potentially less stigmatizing, vocabulary. For example, instead of describing someone as a “felon,” preferred terms might include “formerly incarcerated individual” or “person with a criminal record.”
The rationale behind this shift in language was purported to stem from a desire to reduce societal stigma associated with criminal convictions and to foster a more rehabilitative approach towards individuals re-entering society. By avoiding labels considered harsh or dehumanizing, the initiative aimed to promote opportunities for employment, housing, and social integration for those with a criminal history. Similar language reforms have been implemented in various contexts, reflecting a broader trend towards restorative justice and reduced recidivism.
