Census Bureau Advisory Committee Resurrected Independently After Trump Administration's Disbandment

What's Happening?

A group of scientific experts has independently reformed the Census Scientific Advisory Committee after it was disbanded by the Trump administration. This move comes as a response to the administration's elimination of three advisory committees earlier this year, which were composed of experts from private industry and academia. The reconstituted committee, now called the Independent Census Scientific Advisory Committee, met without any official ties to the Census Bureau. The committee aims to continue providing scientific advice despite the lack of formal recognition. This development follows President Trump's directive to exclude undocumented immigrants from the census count, a decision that has faced legal challenges and requires congressional approval.

Why It's Important?

The reformation of the advisory committee highlights ongoing tensions between the scientific community and the Trump administration regarding changes to the U.S. statistical system. The exclusion of undocumented immigrants from the census could significantly impact political representation and federal funding distribution. The independent committee's efforts underscore the importance of maintaining scientific integrity and transparency in government data collection processes. The situation also reflects broader concerns about the administration's approach to data related to gender, sexual orientation, and other critical areas.

What's Next?

The independent committee plans to continue offering recommendations, although it remains uncertain whether their advice will influence Census Bureau decisions. The administration's actions may face further legal challenges, particularly concerning the exclusion of undocumented immigrants from the census. The outcome of these challenges could have significant implications for future census operations and the representation of diverse communities in the U.S.