I applaud the ASA for quickly releasing a statement on the recent political appointees to the Census Bureau by the Trump Administration, who seem to be there to undercut the efforts to get to near 100% participation. One of the two appointees worked for a failed political candidates who engaged in racist pranks.
Here is a link to the NPR story about this. It also ran in the Washington Post and New York Times
https://www.wnyc.org/story/trump-appointees-join-census-bureau-democrats-concerned-over-partisan-gamesHere is the Statement, which was released only yesterday--
American Statistical Association Statement on the June 23 US
Census Bureau Appointments
June 24, 2020
The American Statistical Association (ASA) advocates for fair and objective collection and
reporting of data throughout the Federal Government. This week's two political (versus career)
appointments to the US Census Bureau are in direct conflict with the bureau's mission to
ensure proper, accurate, and timely delivery of statistical information to the public. In his
statement, Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham provided no justification for the new
positions, description of duties, or qualifications of the appointees. The ASA Board of Directors
is deeply troubled by this development.
The US Census Bureau produces statistics that are fundamental to our democracy, government,
economy, and everyday life. The committed professional staff of the Census Bureau strives to
ensure the bureau's products are accurate, reliable, and timely. The Census Bureau relies on the
trust of its survey and census respondents, trust earned through objectivity, protection of personal
information, transparency, and production of high-quality impartial data.
The Census Bureau's addition of two political appointees to its top ranks undermines the work of
the Census Bureau and federal statistical agencies because of the lack of transparency and
justification, as well as the perception-if not reality-of improper political influence.
We ask Director Dillingham to explain and provide rationale for the creation of the senior
positions that includes their job duties in addition to the qualifications of the people appointed to
the positions. In the absence of an explanation to US taxpayers for the need for these two senior
political appointments, the ASA sees no justification for them.
The ASA was founded more than 180 years ago out of a desire to be supportive of and helpful to
the US Census Bureau's vital work. We have continued to be loyal supporters of the Census
Bureau throughout our history. We continue this role of strong support for the agency's mission
by expressing our concerns and seeking explanations.
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Andrew Beveridge
Professor of Sociology/ President, Social Explorer
Queens and Grad Center CUNY and Social Explorer, Inc
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