20th Annual Bill of Rights
Art and Essay Contest, 2003-2004

TOPIC:  Should the government stop collecting and using information on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin?

First Prize, Middle School

by a Pacific Middle School 8th-Grade Student

"ACLU Paper"

Should the United States and state government stop collecting and using information on race, color, ethnicity or national origin? I think that the United States and state governments should collect information on race, color, ethnicity or national origin.  I feel this way because collecting information on race, color, ethnicity or national origin is beneficial to my life.  I also oppose Proposition 54.

Proposition 54 was on the California recall ballot on October 7, 2003.  The Proposition proposed making California a "color-blind" society, meaning that no individual in California would be classified by race, color, ethnicity or national origin.  The people who were for Proposition 54 were against racial discrimination.  But without collecting information it would be almost impossible to protect victims of discrimination.  Without collecting data on race, ethnicity or national origin, the negative effects on certain groups would be very large.

Health care was one of the main reasons why Proposition 54 did not pass.  If the Proposition passed, doctors and researchers would have difficulty tracking cancer rates by community and location.  Also they would not be allowed to collect information in which they analyze to see what diseases are more prevalent in certain races.  For instance there are higher rates of sickle cell anemia in African Americans, breast cancer in Caucasian women and diabetes in Latinos.  Collecting information on race, doctors and researchers would be able to contain an illness outbreak in one ethnicity from spreading to the general population.  Collecting racial data for health care can save lives.

Education information was another reason why Proposition 54 did not pass.  The United States and state governments would not be able to track test scores to determine if certain races are improving their test scores.  The governments would also not be able to look for resources and ways to provide a better education and overall improvement for all racial groups.

Law enforcement was another concern voters had if Proposition 54 passed.  Police officers need racial data for finding victims and suspects in crimes and for regular city policy.  Collecting racial data for law enforcement groups helps solve and fight crimes.  If Proposition 54 passed, it would be very difficult to help particular victims of violence and discrimination.  

After writing about supporting the United States and state governments decision to collect racial data and the argument against Proposition 54, I feel more strongly about my position.  I feel the United States and state governments should collect this sort of information for the benefit of the people.  By collecting and using this information, we can be healthier, receive a better education and protect ourselves from violence.  The United States and state governments should not stop collecting and using information on race, color, ethnicity or national origin.