Multiracials

NPR's Sunni Khalid reports on the continuing debate over proposed federal recognition of "multiracial" as a separate racial and ethnic category. The Office of Management and Budget is conducting studies to determine how a multiracial option might affect data collection in the 2000 Census and other government surveys. Opponents — including big civil rights groups — see the multiracial movement as a threat to their political identities. But supporters say existing racial and ethnic classifications force them to deny part of their heritage. Clashing perspectives about the meaning of race in this country form the heart of the argument over a multiracial designation. The Clinton Administration is due to make recommendations on the issue in July.