Michigan House Bill HB5893

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/30/24
• Refer: 7/30/24

Caption

Civil rights: public records; certain writings requesting racial or ethnic identification; modify. Amends secs. 202a & 402a of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2202a & 37.2402a).

Impact

The implications of HB 5893 on state laws include a clear shift in how racial and ethnic identities are reported and classified within Michigan's civil rights context. By formalizing the multiracial classification, the bill ensures that individuals identifying as multiracial are provided proper representation in demographic data collection. This change has the potential to influence various state-led initiatives, particularly those aimed at assessing and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in employment and education.

Summary

House Bill 5893 seeks to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, specifically sections concerning racial and ethnic classifications. This bill mandates that both employers and educational institutions include the classification 'multiracial' in their writings, affirming its definition as having parents of different races. At the same time, it requires the exclusion of the term 'other' as a classification option. This aims to recognize and validate multiracial identities within official documents and forms.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding HB 5893 revolve around the implications of excluding the term 'other' and how this may affect individuals who do not fully identify with the predefined categories. Some stakeholders argue that while it is essential to recognize multiracial identities, the lack of an 'other' option could limit necessary representation for those who may identify outside the existing categories. Moreover, there is concern regarding the potential conflict with federal classifications, especially if federal agencies were to reject the classification or seek alternative methods for data collection.