DOJ Investigates Washington Women’s Prison Over Transgender Housing Policy
The Justice Department has opened a federal civil-rights investigation into Washington’s women’s prison, escalating the national fight over transgender prisoner housing.
DOJ notified Gov. Bob Ferguson that it will investigate whether the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor has engaged in a pattern or practice of violating female prisoners’ constitutional rights. The department says the inquiry is based on information alleging sexual and physical violence, harassment, voyeurism, and intimidation tied to transgender women housed at the facility. DOJ says it has not reached conclusions.
Subscribe free for daily political analysis they won’t broadcast. Join 110K+ readers →
The investigation is being conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, or CRIPA, which allows DOJ to investigate systemic violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights.
Washington DOC told KUOW it is reviewing the letter, plans to cooperate, and remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of all incarcerated people.
The probe follows similar DOJ investigations in California and Maine.
Subscribe free for daily political analysis they won’t broadcast. Join 110K+ readers →