U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), have led seven colleagues in urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to take further action on Statistical Policy Directive 15 (SPD 15). The directive, which sets standards for federal data on race and ethnicity, has been revised to improve demographic reporting and ensure better representation of diverse communities.
In a letter addressed to OMB Director Shalanda Young, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of detailed data disaggregation for understanding communities such as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) groups. "Federal data on race and ethnicity is a crucial resource for identifying and addressing inequity," they wrote. "While SPD 15 could be a tremendous asset to our communities, we are concerned with how federal agencies will implement the revised standards."
The letter calls for OMB to provide resources and guidance to federal agencies for producing detailed inventories of their data collections. It also seeks clarification on what constitutes a "sufficient justification" for an agency to be exempt from detailed demographic reporting requirements.
"OMB plays a critical role in ensuring both the quality and consistency of federal datasets," concluded the lawmakers. "Greater transparency and stronger guidance will help federal agencies fulfill the ideals of SPD 15 while providing greater opportunity for community accountability."
Senator Hirono has been an advocate for AANHPI communities, reintroducing legislation like the All Students Count Act of 2023 to promote equitable disaggregation of student data in schools.
The letter was signed by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representatives Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Mark Takano (D-CA).
Below is an excerpt from their letter:
“Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing racial equity and supporting underserved communities in the United States. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, our country has taken important steps toward promoting an inclusive society where everyone has opportunities to succeed. We write today regarding OMB’s recent revisions to 'Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity' – dated March 28, 2024..."