Summary: The collection of race and ethnicity data is technically complex and publicly controversial. It is technically complex because race and ethnicity are not objectively definable characteristics, making measurement difficult. Also, in many instances, a person self-identifies his or her own race and ethnicity. Measurement of race and ethnicity is also controversial because some persons have strong feelings about how they are classified and are uncomfortable, when presented with a list of classifications, if a particular "category" is not available for them to select. For example, some persons who are multiracial want to be able to reflect this heritage by designating themselves as such; however, they may not be provided this choice. This testimony discusses (1) prior GAO work on the collection and reporting of race and ethnicity data by the Census Bureau for the decennial census, as well as by other federal agencies, and (2) state reporting of race and ethnicity data to federal agencies for health and educational purposes.
