America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity

Rose Khattar and Edwith Theogene lay out glaring omissions in the way that the United States collects data on race and ethnicity and call for improvements to the processes.

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice, Biden Administration, Census, Democracy, Racial Equity and Justice +2 More

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Who lives in America today?

Because of the government’s outdated standards for data collection, we don’t really have an accurate picture. Currently, the data that are collected and reported on race and ethnicity by the federal government are not illustrative of the full diversity of the American people. We can redress this issue by modernizing data-collection methods, offering respondents more options for providing race and ethnicity, as well as ensuring that any changes are accompanied by clear guidance and community engagement.

The above excerpt was originally published in The Messenger. Click here to view the full article.

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Authors

Rose Khattar

Former Director of Economic Analysis, Inclusive Economy

Edwith Theogene

Director, Racial Equity and Justice

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Racial Equity and Justice

We promote systemic reforms to dismantle structural racial injustices, give everyone an equal opportunity to thrive, and ensure society benefits from our nation’s diversity.

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America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity