ASPB Backs LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, Now Referred in Senate

On June 13, 2022, ASPB, together with 90 scientific organizations, signed a letter in support of the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act. The bill would require federal surveys to include data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity on a voluntary basis and ensure that lawmakers and federal agencies have the comprehensive data they need to address LGBTQ issues.

“LGBTQI+ individuals are facing alarming disparities in U.S. STEM fields, which not only raise issues of equal opportunity but represent a waste of STEM talent. Our world faces complex and urgent scientific challenges, and all individuals wishing to contribute to science must be enabled to pursue their scientific potential,” the letter states. The letter also cites statistics about LGBTQI+ people in STEM, notably that they are less likely than non-LGBTQI+ people to major in STEM, earn STEM degrees, and hold occupations in STEM fields—all trends that are harmful to STEM innovation.

By requiring federal surveys to include the ability to capture this information, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act aims to ensure that federal agencies and lawmakers have the data needed to inform policies and allocate resources appropriately.

The Act was introduced on June 25, 2021, and passed the House on June 23, 2022. The Act moved on to the Senate and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on July 11, 2022.

Read more about the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act here.

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