Advocates say the category goes beyond issues of self-identity and has real-life implications for Arab and Middle Eastern communities, including the allocation of local resources. Government research showed that Middle Eastern and North African people would check the MENA box if given the option. Most check ‘white’ A Times analysis found that more than 80% of individuals of Southwest Asian, Middle Eastern or North African descent called themselves white in past census surveys. Sources: Minnesota Population Center, Times analysisExperts say that generational divide is a common split within the Middle Eastern and North African community. Nearly a decade ago, students successfully pushed for UC to add a Middle Eastern category on undergraduate admissions applications.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 28, 2019 07:30 UTC