Understanding Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Updating Standards for Racial and Ethnic Data
Statistical Policy Directive No. 15, issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in 1977, established the first comprehensive standards for collecting and reporting data on race and ethnicity in the United States. These standards are crucial for ensuring consistency across federal agencies and facilitating meaningful analysis of demographic data, which influences public policy, civil rights enforcement, and various research initiatives.
The directive initially outlined five categories for race—American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black or African American, White, and an ethnicity category for Hispanic origin. These categories were meant to reflect the diversity of the U.S. population and provide a consistent framework for data collection. However, as the nation’s demographic landscape has evolved, so too have the standards.
The Process of Updating Standards
Updating the standards set by Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 is a thorough and consultative process, reflecting the complexity of race and ethnicity in U.S. society. The OMB periodically reviews these standards to ensure they accurately represent the country’s diversity and meet the needs of policymakers, researchers, and the public.
The review process typically involves several stages:
- Public Consultation: The OMB seeks input from stakeholders, including federal agencies, advocacy groups, researchers, and the general public. This feedback is essential for understanding how the current standards are functioning and what changes may be necessary.
- Research and Analysis: The OMB conducts extensive research to assess the implications of potential changes. This includes analyzing how new categories might impact data collection and comparability over time.
- Proposed Revisions: The OMB proposes updates to the standards based on feedback and research. These proposals are then subject to further public comment before final approval.
By following this rigorous process, the OMB ensures that the standards set forth in Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 continue to reflect the nation’s diversity and provide valuable insights into the changing demographics of the U.S.
