Summary
Data equity emphasizes the creation and distribution of inclusive, high-quality, and actionable data. It involves improving practices in data collection, processing, analysis, and sharing to ensure fair representation and utility for diverse communities. Central to data equity is the accurate and inclusive capture of community needs, which influences decisions and resource allocation.
The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) revised Statistical Policy Directive No. 15, updated on March 28, 2024, after nearly three decades. This revision replaces the previous racial and ethnic categories with a new, single-question format that includes updated categories like Middle Eastern or North African and mandates more detailed subgroup data collection. These changes are designed to better reflect community diversity and improve the effectiveness of federal programs.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded the UCLA Data Equity Center (DEC) to support organizations in implementing these new standards by offering technical assistance and resources to turn data equity goals into concrete actions. The DEC is housed at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. The DEC promotes equity in data by offering resources and technical assistance that will inform, support and promote data systems becoming more representative, inclusive, and collaborative with the communities they serve. The overall strategy includes compiling curated resources that outline actionable steps organizations can take to improve data equity, developing targeted trainings for staff, and providing technical assistance to organizations as they improve their data collection, processing, reporting, and dissemination.