A LITMUS TEST FOR ETHNICITY+RACE

A FACEBOOK FRIEND POSTS:

November 2, 2012 :: Anybody else think this is problematic?

This week after turning in my students' tests, I got all the tests back with a note from the office saying to "kindly fill-in," the race of my students, for those students who hadn't filled it in.

Most students had not bubbled in one of the very limited choices.

 

 

 

 

NOTES ON VOLUNTARY SELF-IDENTIFICATION OF RACE AND ETHNICITY

In order to comply with certain federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements data collectors invite individuals to identify their ethnicity and race

Providing the information below is optional and based on your self-identification. If you choose to participate, please answer both questions by checking the appropriate box or boxes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Questions Answer Choices

Are you Hispanic or Latino?

Yes, Hispanic or Latino.

No, not Hispanic or Latino.

What is your race?

(select one or more)

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

White

What do these categories mean?

These categories are determined by the federal government. Definitions, as provided by the U.S.Department of Education, are as follows:

Hispanic or Latino

A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin,

regardless of race.

American Indian or Alaska Native

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community attachment.

Asian

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian Subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Black or African American

A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.

White

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.

How is this Information used ?

Date collectors use race and ethnicity information for annual reports to the U.S. Department of Education, to apply for certain grants, and to meet its Affirmative Action goals. Data collectors  should not share specific race and ethnicity or other personal information with outside agencies. The ethnicity and race data you choose to provide will be used only in accordance with applicable laws, executive orders, and government regulations.

Data collectors should not discriminate or permit harassment on the basis of race, color, alienage and citizenship, gender, or any other legally protected status

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• The above information is based on Columbia University policy. http://bitly.com/PMp2RD