Whereas, it is ASUCI’s responsibility as per its Constitution to “encourage and maintain the freedom to pursue knowledge” and “encourage student academic rights and responsibilities”; and

Whereas, people of Middle East and North African (MENA) classification have traditionally been classified as white on the US Census; and

Whereas, the US Census is used in congressional redistricting and granting federal funds based on its reports; and

Whereas, the US Census Bureau is considering adding a MENA ethnic classification to the 2020 census; and

Whereas, the MENA community, while in the past had, of necessity, needed to be a part of the white classification, now needs a new classification to better represent the diverse population living within the United States; and

Whereas, while ASUCI recognizes the need for more representatino we firmly believe that we should engage in critical dialogue about the identities represented in the region and;

Whereas, the term Southwest Asia North Africa (SWANA) is a term that some would like to substitute for MENA, for the purposes of drawing of drawing support from the public at large, it is preferred at this point in time for MENA to be used; and

Let it be resolved, that the ASUCI of the University of California, Irvine supports the implementation of the Middle East and North African (MENA)  classification for the 2020 US Census and all subsequent censuses; and

Let it be resolved, that ASUCI recognizes the potential division such classification may cause due to issues of ethnic identity, discrimination, etc. but that ultimately, an option for the MENA community should still be made available; and

Let it be finally be resolved, that we, the students, advocate for greater representation to the MENA community on a national level, benefitting a large and diverse culture that is a part of American society.