Prairie State Wire

FOIA Request to Illinois Department of Corrections Regarding Transgender Inmates and Rape Allegations at Logan Correctional Center on May 23, 2025.

As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, Prairie State Wire has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Our request seeks detailed records related to the housing and treatment of transgender and non-binary inmates at Logan Correctional Center. Specifically, we are requesting information on the current number of transgender and non-binary inmates housed there, broken down by gender identity and type of transition.

Additionally, we have requested any records concerning policies, procedures, or risk assessments regarding the housing of transgender biological male and non-binary inmates alongside female prisoners since 2020. We are also seeking documentation regarding sexual assault allegations made by female inmates during this period, including the number of rape allegations, the nature of these incidents, and any actions taken by IDOC in response.

Furthermore, our request includes any reports, correspondence, or assessments about safety and security concerns raised by staff or inmates regarding the housing arrangements for transgender biological male and non-binary inmates with female prisoners at Logan.

We have asked for these records in electronic format if available. As a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. We believe this request aligns with our mission to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we have requested a fee waiver as media professionals.

Our organization is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Missouri Corporation that assists news media companies in investigating state and federal governmental agencies. Through leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws, we aim to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate.