The Office of Management and Budget recently announced significant changes to how the U.S. government identifies people, merging questions about race and ethnicity that were previously asked separately. This move aims to provide more accurate counts for individuals identifying as Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and North African. The decision reflects a broader effort to ensure inclusivity and precision in demographic data collection.

Voices from the Community

Dr. Mobeen Rathore, a local hospital doctor and member of the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida, expressed support for the new changes, highlighting their practical benefits. Dr. Rathore, originally from Pakistan, recounted his experience decades ago when limited options existed for individuals like him to identify their racial or ethnic background. He emphasized the importance of having accurate categories that reflect diverse identities, recalling an instance where he was inaccurately categorized as Caucasian due to the lack of appropriate options.

Monica Hernandez, president of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, echoed Dr. Rathore’s sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact of combining race and ethnicity categories. Hernandez, a member of the Hispanic community, shared her own experience of navigating identity on federal forms. She welcomed the opportunity for more nuanced self-identification, stating that the updated forms align better with her true identity and nationality.

Promoting Inclusivity and Accuracy

The decision to eliminate terms like “Far East” and “Negro” from federal forms reflects a commitment to eliminating outdated and potentially offensive language. Hernandez expressed hope that the updated data collection methods would accurately represent the diverse demographics of communities across the country. By providing individuals with more comprehensive options to identify their race and ethnicity, the government aims to foster inclusivity and understanding.

Future Plans and Accountability

Federal agencies responsible for collecting and reporting data on race and ethnicity are mandated to submit public action plans outlining their strategies for implementing these changes. The Office of Management and Budget, which approved the revised forms, expects these plans to be submitted by late September 2025. This deadline underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the implementation of the new data collection procedures.