Proposal to Remove Race and Ethnicity Questions from U.S. Census

Why it matters locally: The removal of race and ethnicity questions from the U.S. Census could significantly impact the allocation of federal funding to New Jersey for programs relying on this demographic data, as well as the enforcement of civil rights protections within the state. This data is also crucial for local planning and resource distribution by agencies such as the Bergen County Administration / County Offices and the Township of Teaneck Municipal Building.

The Trump administration has indicated its intention to eliminate questions concerning race and ethnicity from the upcoming U.S. census. This change would alter a long-standing component of the national population count, which has included such inquiries since its inception in 1790. Since 1790, authorities have collected demographic data, including information on race and ethnicity, through the U.S. Census. Officials have utilized this data for a range of administrative and policy applications over time. More recently, government agencies and organizations have employed this information in support of various programs and initiatives.