Statistical Agencies

The collection of race and ethnicity data is technically complex and publicly controversial. It is technically complex because race and ethnicity are not objectively definable characteristics, making measurement difficult. Also, in many instances, a person self-identifies his or her own race and ethnicity. Measurement of race and ethnicity is also controversial because some persons have strong feelings about how they are classified and are uncomfortable, when presented with a list of classifications, if a particular "category" is not available for them to select. For example, some persons who are multiracial want to be able to reflect this heritage by designating themselves as such; however, they may not be provided this choice. This testimony discusses (1) prior GAO work on the collection and reporting of race and ethnicity data by the Census Bureau for the decennial census, as well as by other federal agencies, and (2) state reporting of race and ethnicity data to federal agencies for health and educational purposes.

GAO noted that: (1) over the years, its work has shown that the collection of these types of data is technically complex and publicly controversial; (2) it is technically complex because race and ethnicity are not objectively definable characteristics, making measurement difficult; (3) also, in many instances, a person self-identifies his or her own race and ethnicity; (4) in other instances another party may categorize the person's race and ethnic designation by observation, which can produce inconsistent results; (5) in addition, the manner in which different organizations may ask for racial or ethnic information, as well as how this information is compiled or aggregated, can lead to inconsistent results; (6) measurement of race and ethnicity is also controversial because some individuals have strong feelings about how they are classified and are uncomfortable, when presented with a list of classifications, if a particular "category" is not available for them to select; (7) for example, some people who are multiracial want to be able to reflect this heritage by designating themselves as such; however, they may not be provided this choice; (8) alternatively, some people may oppose the use of a multiracial category because it could result in a reduction in the number of individuals classified in their racial category, and they view this as potentially reducing any benefits this particular group may receive; and (9) some state and federal program or administrative officials raise concerns about a multiracial category because it may: (a) add costs from the need to change forms and computer software; (b) not provide any analytical benefits; or (c) result in reporting inconsistencies and impede analyses of trends.