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Several weeks after I started my new job, HR sent me a form asking me if I could please identify my race and send it back to them. It appeared to be optional, and as I understand the law, it has to be. I ignored it. They sent it again. I continued to ignore it. They sent it again and then copied my boss and explained that I must complete this and get it back to HR. My boss sent me a note telling me to do whatever HR wants. I sent a note back to my boss telling her that I disagree with it in principle and I therefore refuse. I also called the head of HR and politely inquired into the situation. She was gracious and let me know that she understood my POV and I would not be required to submit it, but if I didn't, she would then ask my boss what race she "thinks" I probably am.
I found the whole situation offensive and wholly unnecessary. They claim it is a state requirement to make sure we are meeting our quotas. The whole issue of quota's is also offensive to me. So long as we will continue to officially make race a formal issue on legal documents and such, I believe it will be nearly impossible to look past it and recognize how ridiculous it is to judge upon such a basis.
What did I do? I sent a note saying I respectfully decline to answer the questionnaire. Not sure what happened after that. I was on the fence as to whether I should decline or just outright lie and say I was a mixed-race or something like that. I think I made the right call for myself.
So black or AA? Umm, who cares. Really. It's some dude, or some chick, or whatever.
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