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The inane ‘inmate’ debate: Letters to the Editor — July 22, 2026

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The Issue: A proposal to replace the word “inmate” in the Board of Correction rule book.

So now the city Board of Correction wants to ban the word “inmate” in favor of “people with custody” (“Out with ‘inmate,’ ” July 20)?

My, my: We certainly wouldn’t want to shame any of the fine thieves, rapists or murderers in prison now, would we? One of the biggest problems with society today is that shame doesn’t exist anymore.

Since New York state has basically expunged the biased terms “mother” and “father” from its legal language, it’s great to know the word “inmate” will also be thrown onto the scrap heap of history. It turns out being called an inmate is just as offensive as being called a mother or father.

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Many New York City school kids can’t read and do simple math, illegal prescription drugs are openly sold on the streets, a squalid tent city grows at the foot of one of our most popular tourist attractions — but our city officials spend time worrying about calling inmates........

© New York Post