On April 27, 2023, Working IDEAL submitted comments regarding a proposal to update federal standards for the collection of race and ethnicity information. These standards have not been updated since 1997.

Working IDEAL supports efforts to modernize reporting of race and ethnicity information, particularly as they relate to the collection of workforce demographic data. For example, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission collects workforce demographic data through EEO-1 reporting. In addition, the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs requires federal contractors to include workforce demographic data in affirmative action plans.

Working IDEAL supports proposals to encourage individuals to self-identify, to add a category for those who identify as Middle Eastern or North African, and to allow individuals to select among race and ethnicity categories in a combined question.

The collection of accurate, detailed demographic data enables the federal government, federal contractors, and private employers to assess equity in personnel decisions and to ensure compliance with equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.

Please see the PDF for full comments.

 

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