American Journal of Public Health, Vol 90, Issue 11 1704-1708, Copyright © 2000 by American Public Health Association
Measuring our nation's diversity: developing a common language for data on race/ethnicity
KK Wallman, S Evinger and S Schechter
United States Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503, USA. kwallman@omb.eop.gov
During the 4-year period 1993 through 1997, the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) undertook a comprehensive review of the statistical standards
that are used throughout the federal government to gather and publish data
on race and ethnicity. The primary objective of this review was to ensure
that our standards provide a common language that reflects the increasing
diversity of the US population and maintains our ability to monitor
compliance with civil rights laws. The review culminated with the October
1997 issuance of OMB's "Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and
Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity." In this article, we
describe key aspects of the process that was undertaken to review and
revise the 1977 standards. We also attempt to dispel some myths and
misunderstandings that have been associated with these standards.