DOJ probes Washington transgender inmate policy

The United States — United States Department of Justice>>> has launched an investigation into the United States — Washington State Department of Corrections>>>'s practice of housing transgender women in its women's prison, specifically the Washington Corrections Center for Women>>>. The probe, initiated under the Trump administration, follows allegations that female prisoners have been subjected to sexual and physical violence, harassment, voyeurism, and intimidation from transgender inmates. This inquiry, communicated to Governor Bob Ferguson>>>, cites potential violations of the Eighth Amendment. The investigation was prompted in part by a lawsuit filed by the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism>>>, represented by the America First Policy Institute>>>, on behalf of a female inmate who alleged an attack by a transgender woman. The United States — Washington State Department of Corrections>>> has pledged cooperation, while the American Civil Liberties Union>>> has criticized the federal government's move as targeting transgender people. Similar investigations are also underway in United States — California>>> and United States — Maine>>>.