Civil Rights Coalition Supports a Census that is Safe from Political Influence

Census and Data Equity News, Census and Data Equity Resources 11.20.25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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WASHINGTON — Maya Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after  John C. Yang’s, president and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), testimony on the use of differential treatment in the census:  

“The census is a basic responsibility of our government, and it is essential to our democracy. The Constitution requires that every person in the United States be counted. The Census Bureau carries out this work using proven scientific methods and strong privacy protections that keep personal information confidential. These are the principles that ensure the count is fair and accurate. 

“We are proud to support the testimony of John C. Yang, president and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), who is a valued leader in our coalition. His testimony made clear that the census is about people and their rights. The results guide how federal money is invested in schools, hospitals, roads, and other services that families rely on. They also determine political representation and help communities plan for the future. 

“Trying to weaken trust in this process harms all communities, especially those that have historically been undercounted and underserved. When people are missed, they lose access to the resources and representation that every community deserves. This is why we strongly support robust funding for the census, and why Congress must provide the resources needed to achieve a full and accurate count.  

“The Leadership Conference will continue to stand up for a census that is accurate, safe, and free from political influence. When the census works the way it should, every person is counted and every community can thrive.” 

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

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