1977 Race and Ethnic Standards for Federal Statistics and Administrative Reporting

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) initially developed Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15) in 1977, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to provide consistent data on race and ethnicity (when aggregated to the minimum reporting categories) throughout the Federal Government, including the decennial census, household surveys, and Federal administrative forms (e.g., benefit application forms). Initial development of this data standard stemmed in large part from Federal responsibilities to enforce civil rights laws.

1977 Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Race and Ethnic Standards for Federal Statistics and Administrative Reporting [1.5 MB]

Issued: May 1978

Page Last Revised - September 23, 2024

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