AAUW NJ calls for New Jersey Senate to pass Data Disaggregation Bill (S2415) in this legislative session

Lack of disaggregated data affects AAPI communities on multiple fronts

The New Jersey State Affiliate of the American Association of University Women (AAUW NJ) calls upon the New Jersey Senate to pass bill S2415 that requires State agencies update demographic data collection methods on Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian and Indian Diaspora residents of this State. The bill has already passed in the Assembly, and the Senate must now take action in this lame-duck session to send it to the Governor’s desk.

On August 30, 2023, we marked Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day. According to the National Women’s Law Center, Asian American women who work full-time, year-round in the United States are typically paid 90 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. However, the sub-group of NHPI women, working full-time, year-round earned only 65 cents.

These wage disparities are hidden in data that aggregates NHPIs and Asian Americans.

Aggregated data creates a misleading narrative that all AAPIs are well off and don’t need support. When each of these populations is represented as distinct groups statistically, a more complex truth emerges. This lack of disaggregated data affects all AAPI communities on multiple fronts ranging from access to affordable housing, health disparities and legal services.

“The pay gap can only be addressed if we have full information on how it impacts ALL women,” said
Anjali Mehrotra, Communications Vice President and Co-Director of Public Policy for AAUW NJ.
“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders trace their heritage to more than 50
different countries and speak more than 100 different languages. When diverse communities are considered as one, the resulting data leads to inaccurate policy assumptions and poorly targeted investments that undermine equity for all. Information about each of our communities needs to be collected and reported so that no one’s experiences are ignored and no one is left out of the solution.”

About American Association of University Women of New Jersey (AAUW NJ)

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. AAUW of New Jersey is the state affiliate representing approximately 1200 members in 20 branches throughout New Jersey. Learn more and join us at aauwnj.org.