Linda McFarlane
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In 2003, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, also called PREA, was passed to address sexual violence in prisons.
As part of PREA, auditors visit detention centers to ensure they follow federal standards.
But this new DOJ memo tells auditors to disregard certain requirements, including checking whether reports of sexual assaults were motivated by gender identity bias.
Linda McFarlane, a longtime PREA advocate, says, It's going to make people less safe.
And when facilities are less safe for the most vulnerable and marginalized, they're less safe for everybody.
The DOJ didn't respond to NPR's request for comment.
In 2003, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, also called PREA, was passed to address sexual violence in prisons.
As part of PREA, auditors visit detention centers to ensure they follow federal standards.
But this new DOJ memo tells auditors to disregard certain requirements.
including checking whether reports of sexual assaults were motivated by gender identity bias.
Linda McFarlane, a longtime PREA advocate, says, It's going to make people less safe.
And when facilities are less safe for the most vulnerable and marginalized, they're less safe for everybody.
The DOJ didn't respond to NPR's request for comment.