If a student or staff does not self-identify their race and ethnicity, can we identify their race and ethnicity on their behalf (third-party identification)?
There is nothing in the guidance that would prevent an institution from employing third-party identification of race and ethnicity, but only as a last resort. The use of third-party identification is intended mostly for the use of race and ethnicity reporting at the primary and secondary levels where access to children may be limited. For postsecondary institutions, self-reporting of race and ethnicity by students and staff is considered to be the desired method.
Related Questions
- What do we do about students or staff members who are already in our student information system whose race or ethnicity is stored as "Declined to State" or "Unknown"?
- If a student or staff does not self-identify their race and ethnicity, can we identify their race and ethnicity on their behalf (third-party identification)?
- What should be done if it is believed that a student or staff member is of a different race or ethnicity than he/she claims to be?
