HERITAGE CODE CATEGORIES

(Race and Ethnic Definitions)

The following heritage code categories (race and ethnic definitions) for federal statistics

and administrative reporting have been defined by the Federal Government, effective October 1, 1979.

DEFINITIONS: The basic heritage code (racial and ethnic) categories for Federal statistics and program administrative reporting are defined as follows:

Black: A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa who is also not of Hispanic origin.

Hispanic: A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South American or other Spanish culture of origin, regardless of race.

Asian or Pacific Islander: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands. This area includes, for example, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands, and Samoa.

American Indian or Alaskan Native: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliations or community recognition.

White: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East who is also not of Hispanic origin. *

* Adapted from:

EEOC, Form 221, Higher Education Staff Information (EO-6) Instruction Booklet. Approved by OMB No. 3046-0009, 1991.

(8/7/92)