Measuring our nation's diversity: developing a common language for data on race/ethnicity

During the 4-year period 1993 through 1997, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) undertook a comprehensive review of the statistical standards that are used throughout the federal government to gather and publish data on race and ethnicity. The primary objective of this review was to ensure that our standards provide a common language that reflects the increasing diversity of the US population and maintains our ability to monitor compliance with civil rights laws. The review culminated with the October 1997 issuance of OMB's "Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity." In this article, we describe key aspects of the process that was undertaken to review and revise the 1977 standards. We also attempt to dispel some myths and misunderstandings that have been associated with these standards.