Few people would use multicultural category, census test shows

Jet, Dec 23, 1996

If given the option to classify themselves as multiracial, few people would do it, according to a new test by the Census Bureau. However, the numbers still bolster the position of those opposed to it.

When the multiracial category was available, six-tenths of 1 percent of the respondents identified themselves as Black and Hispanic. When the category was omitted, 2.7 respondents described themselves as Black and Hispanic.

The results suggest that the use of the category might result in a decrease in the number of people identifying themselves as Black. which concerns community leaders. They worry about the impact on policies such as affirmative action.

Overall, during pilot tests slightly more than 1 percent of people checked the box marked multiracial.

The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing the government's official racial and ethnic classifications. The test was part of a review to determine the need and implications of adding the multiracial category.