My grandfather on my mother’s side was Irish and took great pride in his heritage, while my father’s side immigrated from Portugal. Our family has always celebrated these rich cultural backgrounds, and it is disheartening to see them overlooked on many job applications and forms. Including a European option on the ethnicity section of these forms is important to me because individuals of European descent often find themselves excluded and ignored in these categories. When ethnicity options spotlight groups such as Mexican, Native American, Black, or others, it implicitly sends the message that European heritages are not recognized or valued.

Currently, many forms simply offer the option of choosing ‘American’ which can be both misleading and frustrating for those of us who hold strong ties to specific European ancestries. For individuals who either immigrated from Europe or cherish their European ancestry, this lack of recognition fuels a sense of invisibility in a nation built on diverse heritages. Each ethnicity deserves acknowledgment and the opportunity to be represented accurately.

This change is not only a step towards inclusivity but also enhances the accuracy of data collected via these forms. Incorporating a European ethnicity option would enable more truthful representation of individuals and thereby allow better, more nuanced insights into the diverse makeup of our communities.

Changing the ethnicity questions to include a European option is a realistic goal that can be achieved through united voices. By signing this petition, you can help ensure that all ethnic heritages are acknowledged and that individuals of European descent are granted the recognition they deserve in forms that help shape policies, workplaces, and community services. Please sign this petition to support this crucial change.