<\/center><\/p>\n
March 17, 2004<\/p>\n
Ms. Leigh Trivette
Secretary of the Regents
1111 Franklin Street, 12th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607<\/p>\n
Dear Ms. Trivette:<\/p>\n
We the undersigned wish to express our support for Item RE-42, proposed by Regent Ward Connerly on March 4, 2004.<\/p>\n
RE-42 requests that the University of California \u201ccollect data from potential students\u201d in the form of a \u201cmulti-racial\u201d or \u201cmulti-ethnic\u201d classification check box. RE-42 further suggests that the Board of Regents \u201cPresident should request that the OMB revise its guidelines to permit\u201d such classifications.<\/p>\n
We, the undersigned, believe that individuals who perceive themselves to be either \u201cbiracial\u201d or \u201cmultiracial\u201d should be afforded the option of declaring themselves as such through a separate category. Further, if such individuals are not going to be afforded this opportunity, then the current classification tabulation method, which mimics the classic one-drop rule of the Jim Crow past, should be abolished.<\/p>\n
Currently, individuals of multiple \u201crace\u201d backgrounds, who designate themselves as such on applications, forms, tests and other documents by checking more than one \u201cracial\u201d classification box are not documented by the University. Multiple box-checkers are instead reassigned into one \u201cracial\u201d classification and the rest of their self-designation is disregarded. By changing their self-designation, the University is essentially voiding their right to self-identification in the University environment. Such changing of an individual\u2019s self-designation is a de facto endorsement of the one-drop rule that plagued the Jim Crow era of American history. While this tabulation scheme is not the fault of the University, through RE-42 the Board would be in the position to effect positive change on the behalf of its \u201cbiracial\u201d and \u201cmultiracial\u201d student population.<\/p>\n
Clearly, the demographics of this nation are rapidly changing, as evidenced by this very issue being brought before the Board. It is far past time to abandon the routines and practices of the past, which were based on Jim Crow era beliefs and subjugation based on \u201cracial\u201d classification. If the University is going to collect \u201cracial\u201d data, then the self-identification rights of those who perceive themselves to be \u201cbiracial\u201d or \u201cmultiracial\u201d must be respected.<\/p>\n
Two other observations are appropriate: First, it is often argued by those who oppose the acknowledgement of a “multiracial” identity that the number of such individuals is statistically too small to worry about. In reality, however, the number of multiracial individuals is often greater than the number of “Native Americans” or “Black\/African Americans” at many institutions. Therefore, if there is justification to count and tabulate these individuals, why not a group that is even larger, namely, the “multiracial” population?<\/p>\n
Second, allowing individuals to check more than one box does not capture those individuals who perceive themselves to be “multiracial.” They are not “part” this or “part” that; they are “multiracial.” That is their identity. They have their own communities, their own websites, publications and support groups. In this regard, they deserve the same recognition as groups that represent single “races.”<\/p>\n
We applaud the Board for taking the time to consider this request and urge it to act on behalf of the self-identification rights of its rapidly growing \u201cbiracial\u201d and \u201cmultiracial\u201d student population.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
James Landrith
Founder
The Multiracial Activist
http:\/\/www.multiracial.com<\/p>\n
Charles Michael Byrd
Founder
Interracial Voice
http:\/\/www.interracialvoice.com<\/p>\n
Billy Brady
Executive Director
National American Metis Association
http:\/\/www.americanmetis.org<\/p>\n
Helen Campbell
Founder
Melungeons.com
http:\/\/www.melungeons.com<\/p>\n
Valerie Wilkins-Godbee
Founder and President
Interracial Women\u2019s Political Consortium
Founding President
Multi-Ethnic Women for Media Fairness<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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