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Supervisor Feuer introduces resolution urging citywide adoption of person-first language for justice-involved people
Summary
Supervisor Norman Feuer introduced a nonbinding resolution urging San Francisco agencies and departments to adopt person-first language (for example, "formerly incarcerated person" instead of "felon"). The resolution was introduced with several co-sponsors and framed as an incremental reform to reduce stigma in the justice system.
Supervisor Norman Feuer introduced a resolution on July 9 calling on city departments to adopt person-first language when referring to people with criminal-legal system involvement. The resolution asks agencies to substitute terms such as "formerly incarcerated person," "returning resident" or "justice-involved person" for labels like "felon," "offender" or "inmate."
Feuer described the proposal as an effort to reduce stigma and improve access to employment, housing, health care and licensing for people with criminal records. He cited examples of other jurisdictions and agencies that have adopted similar language and noted that this is not a cure-all for systemic problems but a policy step intended to change public tone and administrative practices.
Cosponsors and next steps Feuer listed cosponsors including Supervisors Hillary Ronan, Ahsha Safaie, Matt Mandelman, and Vallie Brown, among others. The resolution was introduced for consideration at a later meeting; no final vote was recorded on July 9.
Provenance: The resolution introduction and sponsor remarks are on the July 9 transcript; follow-up committee referral and scheduling will determine the next hearing dates.
