While the history of racism has focused on its most troubling aspect, namely, the experience of African Americans, demographic changes caused largely by immigration are adding new dimensions to issues of race in America. Asian and Hispanic Americans and others, who do not share a history of slavery, nevertheless face discrimination as minorities. As a result, the nation must address the dual imperatives of resolving deep-rooted historic issues of racial injustice that have long plagued our nation, and fulfilling the obligation as well to ensure equal opportunity for all people. Although African Americans have moved far from our nation's legacy of segregation and severe marginalization, meaningful civic inclusion still eludes too many. A sizable black middle class has emerged and white attitudes have changed. Yet, racism persists and an isolated, impoverished black underclass bears witness to the injustice of an earlier time. The nation as a whole is responsible for alleviating these conditions, and for grappling with the consequences of an inherited legacy of disadvantage. Meanwhile, the burgeoning Hispanic population and the fast growing Asian population may change the nation's racial dynamic and alter the dialogue. While common interests may generate strong intergroup alliances on such issues as affirmative action and education, differences also abound. It has been suggested that Asian and Hispanic populations, more diverse in make-up, may focus less energetically on issues of race and that class interests may grow in significance.

The organized Jewish community will continue to work in coalition with all groups seeking to advance civil rights, to support principles of equal access and equal opportunity for all people, and to promote programs that fight racism. A shared agenda of intergroup issues already exists, and strong partnerships have been formed around such issues as immigration and on initiatives to protect minority rights. In the months ahead, the JCPA will continue to work with a broad civil rights coalition concerned with fair representation of minorities in the 2000 Census. Census accuracy directly affects the nation's ability to ensure all Americans equal representation and access to government resources. Yet, the national census has traditionally missed millions of people, with poor and minority individuals undercounted more frequently than others.

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The JCPA is concerned about the potential impact of this undercount in denying poor and minority populations equal representation and access to federal funds and services.

Statistical sampling, approved by the National Academy of Sciences, can help improve accuracy. Congressional leaders have opposed the plan, however, claiming concern about political manipulation of the figures and the impact these numbers might have on re-districting. Although the Supreme Court has ruled that current law bars the use of sampling in preparing census figures used for apportionment, it suggested the law permits and may even require statistical adjustment of census figures for state redistricting and the distribution of federal funds. While recognizing the census process must be protected by adequate safeguards against political manipulation, the JCPA supports the use of sampling as a legitimate and reliable means of supplementing direct enumeration in the preparation of Census 2000. The JCPA will press for the funding needed to allow the Census Bureau to produce adjusted figures, using scientific sampling, for non-apportionment purposes. Further, the JCPA will join with its coalition partners in supporting changes to the census law to allow the Census Bureau to prepare and use the most accurate and complete census figures for all purposes.

After 15 months, the President's advisory board on race relations produced a report, recommending the creation of a permanent presidential council on race. Although it broke little new ground, the report contained policy suggestions, some of which the President promised to incorporate in a larger report on race and ethnicity. The JCPA will evaluate the President's report to identify new opportunities to enhance race relations. In February 1998 the JCPA launched a policy review entitled Building One Nation: Race, Ethnicity, and Public Policy. The study, to be completed by February 2000, provides a structured opportunity to grapple productively with diverse perspectives, strengthening the ability of the organized Jewish community to engage in the ongoing battle to end discrimination and reduce barriers to equal opportunity.