On October 3, 2022, APA Services submitted comments for two requests for information from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, sharing psychological science-based insights about the importance of equitable data collection and analyses practices.
The Subcommittee on Equitable Data of the National Science and Technology Council requested information on how federal agencies can better support collaboration within levels of government, civil society, and the research community around the production and use of equitable data, in support of the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (E.O. 13985). APA’s response centered the need for equitable data collection, storage, and use to ensure representation of underserved communities (PDF, 150KB). The comments covered data collection practices, data availability, improving planning and collaboration, the use of technology, increasing outreaching, and the role of social determinants of health.
APA Services also submitted comments (PDF, 203KB) to inform the development of the Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity mandated by the Executive Order on Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals (E.O. 14075).
APA’s response provided resources, including APA’s 2016 Resolution on Data About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and updated demographic questions used in APA member surveys. The comments called for federal agencies to continue to invest in data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity to advance public health and equity; urged transparency and engagement with stakeholders; and provided detailed recommendations for the federal evidence agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity. The comments also described the complexity of intersex variations or differences of sex development and the challenges for researchers who collect information about this population.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy works to maximize the benefits of science and technology to advance health, prosperity, security, environmental quality, and justice for all Americans.
For more information, contact Corbin Evans or Leo Rennie.