BREAKING: A federal judge has issued an urgent order to separate transgender inmates from female detainees at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas. This decisive action follows alarming sexual abuse claims involving biological males housed within a women’s facility known for accommodating inmates with medical and mental health challenges.
The order, confirmed earlier today, prohibits biological male inmates from accessing female-designated private spaces, including showers, restrooms, and dormitories. This ruling marks a significant judicial step in enforcing biological sex separation within correctional facilities, amidst ongoing legal battles tied to the Trump Administration’s policies on transgender inmates.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Rhonda Fleming, a 60-year-old inmate, highlights serious safety concerns for women already vulnerable due to past abuse. “I can’t sleep at night worrying about my safety and that of disabled women and the mentally ill,” Fleming stated, expressing fear over the safety of inmates who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Today’s ruling specifically addresses the needs of the women involved in the lawsuit, but it may extend to additional plaintiffs as litigation progresses. 51.3% of transgender-identifying male inmates in federal prisons have been convicted of sex offenses, a rate nearly four times higher than that of the overall prison population. This alarming statistic intensifies the urgency surrounding the ongoing judicial proceedings.
The case comes at a time when the Biden Administration’s policies regarding transgender individuals in federal prisons are being challenged, with 19 transgender plaintiffs currently fighting against their potential transfer to men’s facilities. A panel of appeals court judges has been scrutinizing these policies, reinforcing the contentious and evolving nature of gender identity rights within the correctional system.
One particularly disturbing incident involved Kara Sternquist, a male inmate at FMC Carswell, who is accused of sexually assaulting a disabled female detainee in July 2023. Witnesses reported that Sternquist entered a restricted area and preyed upon the incapacitated woman, leading to serious concerns about safety protocols and the handling of sexual assault allegations within the facility.
Despite claims and eyewitness accounts, the investigation into this incident was reportedly closed without substantiation. This has left many inmates, including Tamarisk Trejo Mathews, feeling unsafe and unheard. “I have felt dismissed and like I’m in the wrong,” Mathews said, highlighting the emotional toll and daily risks faced by women in such environments.
Legal representatives, including John Greil, are pushing for broader protections for all female inmates at FMC Carswell, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the vulnerabilities faced by women incarcerated alongside biological males. “There’s no way to represent any of the women,” Greil remarked, underscoring the systemic issues at play.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond the immediate safety of FMC Carswell inmates. It signals a potential shift in how transgender individuals are housed within correctional facilities across the United States. The court’s action today could prompt a reevaluation of policies and practices, setting a precedent for future cases.
As this situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and dignity of all inmates, especially those who have already faced significant trauma. The legal landscape continues to evolve, and the outcomes of these proceedings may have lasting effects on the rights and treatment of transgender individuals within the prison system.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue as it unfolds.
