OCA Applauds Historic Federal Data Collection Standards Update
For Immediate Release
April 5, 2024
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — Last week, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released updated government-wide standards for federal race and ethnicity data collection, the first such revision since 1997. OCA - Asian American Advocates commends the Biden Administration for this pivotal decision. We also extend our congratulations to the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Empowering Pacific Islanders (EPIC), and their partners, whose relentless advocacy has been pivotal in realizing these crucial changes.
These revisions usher in a new era in data collection and disaggregation, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of federal agencies’ surveys and programs. This advancement promises to better serve not only the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities but all communities.
However, the true measure of success lies in the implementation. The collection of data must extend beyond these minimum categories to capture the rich diversity within the AANHPI communities, including South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander groups.
OCA is dedicated to ensuring that the collection and categorization of data for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander groups truly reflects our diversity. We will continue to work closely with the Biden Administration as well as with state and local administrations to ensure that they include the voices and realities of these communities.
“The updates to the federal data collection standards represent a significant victory for our communities,” OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates National President Linda Ng. “They are a result of decades of advocacy and dedication to the cause of representation. As we celebrate this achievement, we also prepare for the crucial work ahead. We will continue to advocate for the accurate portrayal of the rich diversity within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations.”
“We are witnessing a tremendous leap forward with the inclusion of the Middle Eastern/North African category as a new minimum reporting standard,” OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates National Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “This addition is a testament to the growing recognition of the diverse tapestry that constitutes our nation. As we embrace these new standards for federal data collection, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every individual’s story is heard and valued. Our work has never been more important.”
###
About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.