By C1 Staff
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Convicted criminals should no longer be called “offenders,” according to a memo issued by Washington state’s DOC Tuesday.
Replacing the word “inmate” in the 2000s, “offender” is now being replaced due to its negative connotation, KIRO reported.
The memo states the DOC is stopping the use of the word “offender” and replacing it with “individuals” or other applicable terms such as “student” or “patient” where/when appropriate.
“This is an opportunity to help others define themselves not for their criminal behavior, but for their future role in their communities,” Secretary Richard Morgan said in the memo.