The Power of Words: How Language Shapes Criminal Justice Outcomes September 23, 2024 The words we use to describe formerly incarcerated individuals have tangible impacts on their ability to thrive post-incarceration. How Words Influence Our Perceptions In the realm of criminal justice reform, a quiet revolution is underway. This transformation is not driven by policy shifts or legal amendments, but by the powerful role language plays in shaping perceptions and outcomes. Consider the word “felon.” This term, often used to label someone who has served time in prison, carries significant negative weight and stigma. It reduces a person to a past mistake, overshadowing any growth or transformation that may have occurred during their incarceration. This label follows them, making reintegration into the workforce complicated and difficult. In the context of employment, contrast the label “felon” with the term “justice-impacted talent.” Notice how this new term focuses on an individual’s potential for growth while acknowledging their past. It is a simple shift in language that allows formerly incarcerated individuals to reclaim their identities, emphasizing their skills and future contributions, rather than their past actions. This change in terminology is crucial for reducing stigma and supporting reintegration. Redefining Identity Through Language At The Last Mile (TLM), we directly address the challenges and labels individuals face upon release from incarceration. While incarcerated, we provide both education and job training, preparing them for success in today’s workforce. Our cutting-edge programs equip students with marketable skills that break the cycle of recidivism. We empower our students by referring to them as “alumni,” thereby redefining their status and highlighting their recent accomplishments and personal growth. With a 75% post-release employment rate, TLM’s alumni demonstrate an exceptional achievement, far exceeding the national average unemployment rate of over 27% for justice impacted talent. Leading companies such as Slack, Zoom, and Dropbox are ready to hire this ‘justice-impacted talent,’ showing the potential for successful reintegration when stigma is reduced. As more companies adopt the language and practices of Fair Chance Employment, they help shift the narrative on a national level, creating opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to succeed in the workforce. This process of empowerment through language is not a one-time event but rather a continuous journey. Recently at TLM, we changed the name of a department from the “Reentry team” to the “Alumni Success Team.” Nick Zinni, Alumni Success Manager at TLM, explains why: “The word alumni really allows us to focus on them as a graduate or student of The Last Mile. It reminds the students that they are a part of The Last Mile community because of their participation in the classroom, not their involvement in the justice system.” This subtle yet powerful shift in language fundamentally reframes the narrative around incarceration and release. Instead of focusing on an individual’s past actions or the process of “reentering” society, it highlights their achievements, potential, and belonging to a supportive network. The Role of Language in Restorative Justice The impact of such language goes beyond semantics—it plays a critical role in shaping both individual outcomes and societal views on rehabilitation and reintegration. The words we use to describe a person influence not only societal perceptions but also how that person perceives themselves. Zinni points out that the term “reentry” itself can be problematic: “Incarceration is deeply impactful and often a traumatic experience. The term ‘reentry’ can imply simplicity in returning home—that one ‘comes back’ without stigma, obstacles, or legal limitations to regularly accessed resources. It also suggests that there is a place for someone when they come home, and unfortunately for many, this is not the case.” Zinni highlights a crucial point: The language we use often fails to capture incarceration’s profound and life-altering nature. When we talk about “reentry,” we imply a simple process of returning to a previous state. However, for many formerly incarcerated individuals, there is no simple return. Instead, they are stepping into a new reality with new skills, perspectives, and challenges. Empowering language is part of a broader movement in restorative justice—an approach focused on healing and repairing past harm rather than continuous punishment. This approach recognizes that most incarcerated individuals will eventually return to society, and that it is in everyone’s interest to ensure they can do so successfully. The RISE (Resilience in Stressful Experiences) program is one example of how a trauma-informed approach, coupled with a shift in language, can significantly impact reintegration outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals. By addressing participants as individuals undergoing “resilience training” rather than perpetuating labels like “offender,” RISE fosters a narrative of growth and potential. This shift aligns with the program’s broader mission to reduce recidivism while improving psychological well-being, impulsivity control, and coping mechanisms during incarceration and after release. The language used in RISE sessions empowers individuals to redefine their identities, focusing on healing from past traumas rather than merely preparing for reentry into society. The program’s results are compelling, with participants showing reduced rates of homelessness and substance use as well as significantly higher employment rates post-release. By focusing on humanizing language, RISE encourages participants to see themselves not as prisoners but as citizens overcoming adversity and rising to their true potential. Beyond Labels: Why Language Matters for Success A common misconception is that changes in language are merely “politically correct” or intended to avoid offense. In truth, these changes shape social reality, fostering empowerment, growth, redemption, and inclusion. This is why we refer to justice-impacted people, especially those who have completed prison training programs, as “alumni.” This language shift highlights their potential rather than their past, shaping both their self-perception and how society views them. This shift in language also reflects a growing recognition of the skills and potential many formerly incarcerated individuals possess. TLM’s programs, which provide training in valuable skills like coding, web development, and audio/video production, are designed to help individuals see themselves as high-value specialists. These graduates are part of a community of like-minded individuals, bolstered by their unique experiences and skill sets. Zinni elaborates on this concept: “When TLM students call themselves ‘alumni,’ they’re joining a network. They’re connecting to a supportive community that values their skills and growth. That’s incredibly powerful for their self-esteem and reintegration.” How Language Creates Pathways to Success In the push for criminal justice reform, it’s vital to focus not only on policies and practices but also on the language we use to shape these discussions. By adopting more human-centered and inclusive terms, we can actively contribute to fostering a narrative that supports true rehabilitation and successful reintegration, thereby positively impacting the criminal justice system. Shifts in language may seem insignificant to someone who is not familiar or impacted by the justice system. However, in the realm of human perception and social dynamics, such shifts can be completely transformative. They can make the difference between a door slammed shut and a door held open, the difference between despair and hope, between recidivism and successful reintegration. As a society, we have the power to shape this narrative. Every time we choose our words, we choose the kind of society we want to create. Do we want a society that permanently brands individuals for past mistakes or do we work actively towards a society that recognizes the potential for growth and change? Do we want a justice system focused solely on punishment or do we aspire to a one that prioritizes rehabilitation and successful reintegration? The choice is ours. And it starts with our words. By Robert Roche, Content Marketing Director at The Last Mile, in collaboration with Aisha Leach, Chief People Officer at The Last Mile, and Pamela Frazier, People Operations Generalist at The Last Mile. Want articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to The Last Mile Marker, a newsletter offering in-depth insights, critical updates, and inspiring stories on criminal justice reform and second chances.