Check My Box ;)

Greetings from the "City of Brotherly Love!" Philadelphia is a remarkable city that is rich with American history and national treasures. The past few days have been incredible. :) -- but I still need to get some work done...While checking my email, a fellow JACLer sent me an interesting article on race and categorization.

Many Americans are plagued by a redundant question: "What is your race?" For some people, the answer is as easy as adding 2+2. They swiftly check one box and mindlessly progress to complete their paperwork. However, changing demographic trends and psychological shifts are leading to an inability and/or reluctancy to clearly respond to this item.

If the phenomenon of race is socially constructed, then we could argue that racial categories are profoundly subjective and lack an essential essence. Is the scientific objectivity of race a myth? Regardless of the operational definition, the state of California is recognizing the need to revamp their categorization of race. Please feel free to check out the article below...

"*California** Considers Groundbreaking Legislation for Multiracial Community"

On April 25, the California Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill1615, the Ethnic Heritage and Respect Act, which could potentially makeCalifornia the first state in the country to adopt federal guidelines thatallow multiracial individuals to "mark one or more" racial categories ongovernment forms. Before the bill reaches the governor's desk for asignature, it must be approved by appropriations committees in bothlegislative chambers who will consider the cost associated withimplementation.Currently, Californians are forced to choose only a single race when askedfor such information on state forms. Introduced by State Senator JoeSimitian, the bill would adopt federal guidelines developed in 1997 thatallow individuals to select multiple responses when information about theirrace is requested. The bill would also mandate guidelines for thepresentation of such data to ensure that state agencies present a fullpicture of the population's diversity, as well as adopting federalguidelines for the use of race in civil rights actions. "We hope that byadopting these guidelines the state will gain a better understanding of thediversity of its population," says Senator Simitian.SB 1615 was introduced by Senator Simitian in response to the rapidlygrowing population of multiracial Californians—in this diverse state, 1 in 6babies born are multiracial. Collection of data on multiracial individualsis an important part of being able to identify and address unique needs inthe population. For example, multiracial individuals have unique medicalneeds, such as increased difficulty in finding a bone marrow donor.SB 1615 bill is supported by a coalition of multiracial advocacyorganizations, including Swirl Inc., Mavin, AMEA, I-Pride, and theMultiethnic Education Program. The legislation is also supported by manytraditional community of color organizations. Before the hearing on April25, the coalition held a press conference and legislative briefing, whereSwirlBayArea leaders Megan, Jamie and Adriane represented for Swirl. If youwould like more information on ways you can support this bill and Swirl'sadvocacy efforts, please contact Adriane at adrianeg@swirlinc.org