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 federal funding allocations for programs in Missouri that rely on demographic data, potentially affecting social services, healthcare, and education initiatives across the state. This change could also complicate the state's ability to monitor and address disparities within its diverse population.

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.