By David Pendered

Nov. 18 – On Tuesday, as the Census enacts the category of “Middle Eastern or North African” and other changes, the agency is to update the public on the status of the project that aims to modernize reporting practices.

The purpose of the new practices is to increase accuracy in representing the growing number of people who identify as more than one race or ethnicity. This year’s update is the first since 1997 and follows a two-year period of analysis and public comment.

The new Census category is MENA, distinct from white. Previously, individuals in this category were tabulated in the white racial category. In a related situation, federal policymakers could not reach a conclusion on how best to categorize individuals who identify as Afro-Latin. The temporary solution is to advise those who identify as such to mark all the boxes that reflect their race and ethnicity while research continues.

At a webinar Tuesday, Nov. 19, Census officials are to provide updates of the new practices and ways for the public to submit their thoughts. The event is open to credentialled media and stakeholders, who are to share the information through their outlets.

While the word gets out, the Census provided these contact points for the public to learn more and send  their responses to the new policy: Office of Management and Budget, and Office of the President of the United States.

The general public may first notice the new categories in 2027, when the American Community Survey is to be produced using the new standards. The new practices have been implemented across the federal government since March.

Census

CommonFutureATL