Item:
Title
Resolution - Support of the Use of Person-First Language (10min)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: March 14, 2022
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to issue a proclamation recognizing the harmful impacts of derogatory language when referring to justice involved people and urging the use of person-first language in Durham County.
Person-first language aims to restore dignity and humanity to persons directly impacted by the criminal justice system. Too often, we describe individuals according to their prior actions long after they have paid their debt to society. For neighbors who are justice involved, this language can have a significant impact upon health, wellbeing, and access to resources and services. For our community as a whole, neglecting to name neighbors as persons first perpetuates and normalizes barriers that keep persons impacted by our justice system from their rightful place as a full contributor to our life together.
Durham County’s Criminal Justice Advisory Committee discussed the person-first language resolution several times in 2021 and endorsed the resolution at its November 30, 2021 meeting.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Goal 1: Community and Family Prosperity, Goal 2: Health and Wellbeing, and Goal 3: Safe Community
Resource Persons: Commissioner Nida Allam, Durham Board of County Commissioners and Ben Haas, Chair of the Durham Criminal Justice Advisory Committee
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the resolution in support of the use of Person-First Language.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________