Mar APR DEC 25 1997 1998 1999 49 captures 25 Apr 98 - 5 Mar 16

Close Help

ACRI News

Sacramento, CA -- The American Civil Rights Institute today denounced the federal government's rejection of a "multiracial" category on the U.S. Census and other federal forms. In a report published in today's Federal Register, the federal task force said the idea for a multiracial box was turned down because the category "would, in effect, create another population group and no doubt add to racial tension and further fragmentation of our population."

"Americans are tired of being divided and categorized along racial and ethnic lines. A multiracial box would unify Americans and help heal racial tensions," said Jennifer Nelson, executive director of ACRI. "We urge President Clinton to reject this task force's recommendations and support a multiracial box on the U.S. Census."

According to the Office of Management and Budget, people will be asked to check one or more categories of race. Statistical reports would list the number of people by each category and by the different combinations of categories.

"This new plan of checking multiple boxes will lead to further racial and ethnic divide. Instead of adding more hyphens, the federal government should be advocating for one simple box – American," said Nelson.

Interracial families account for roughly one to two percent of all families, although that number is growing. A study released in March 1997 by the University of Michigan reported that interracial marriages are rising in the United States. California and Hawaii reported a higher rate of interracial marriages than the rest of the country.

©1997 American Civil Rights Institute