At Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), we believe in the power of the arts to unlock human potential, transform lives, and rebuild communities. But transformation begins with recognition—and recognition begins with language.
Too often, people who are or have been incarcerated are referred to by dehumanizing labels: “inmate,” “felon,” “offender.” These terms reduce individuals to their worst moments and strip them of their humanity.
At RTA, we reject those labels. Instead, we commit to people’s first language—language that recognizes the full humanity of individuals who have been impacted by the criminal legal system.
Why does this matter?
Research shows that terms like “felon” and “inmate” perpetuate stigma, bias public opinion against criminal legal reform, and increase support for punitive policies. In contrast, using human-first language—such as “person with a felony conviction” or “person in prison”—leads people to think more critically, compassionately, and justly about the system and those entangled in it (FWD.us, People First, 2021).
Language shapes perception. As the Marshall Project’s Language Project notes, words like “offender” or “convict” are not neutral—they shape how we see, treat, and legislate around individuals. At RTA, we see our participants as people: artists, students, parents, leaders.
Our commitment to dignity starts with how we speak about—and with—them.
As we continue building a world where the arts are central to healing and liberation, we encourage our community to join us in embracing language that uplifts and humanizes.
Learn more about the importance of people-first language and its impact on justice, storytelling, and reform, with the following resources:
- The Marshall Project’s Language Project
- FWD.us People First Language Guide
- Time to Break Through: The Power of Words
- Vera Institute of Justice’s “Words Matter” campaign
At RTA, we believe people are more than their past. Let’s speak—and act—accordingly.
