SPSP has joined 90 other organizations to sign a letter in support of the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act (H.R. 4176), which would mandate that federal surveys collecting demographics must also collect sexual orientation and gender identity data.
The letter is addressed to the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee, which is currently reviewing and revising the legislation. A vote on the bill is expected during the week of June 20.
Data from the National Science Foundation's national workforce surveys are essential in STEM diversity efforts as they are used for policymaking, to document underrepresented groups in STEM, and determine eligibility for funding and federal resources. Including sexual orientation and gender identity data in these surveys, would make institutions across the United States better equipped to understand and address LGBTQI+ disparities in STEM.
"We're proud to show our support for this legislation," says SPSP Executive Director Rachel Puffer. "The measures proposed in this bill will bring us closer to having the data we need to tackle LGBTQI+ disparities in STEM."
We encourage SPSP members to share this announcement and sign-on letter as we continue to spread the word. We will alert our membership with updates on the legislation as it progresses.
Want to learn more and get involved in SPSP's advocacy efforts? Visit our Advocacy and Policy page today for more details. We would also like to thank Jon Freeman, PhD, a Columbia University professor and SPSP member who shared this opportunity with us.
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