The U.S. Census Bureau is reportedly seeking permission to remove questions about gender identity on its monthly survey.
The Census Bureau contacted the Office of Management and Budget two weeks ago to request permission to remove gender ideology questions from the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey, as reported by the Associated Press.
This move, according to the Census Bureau, was made in an attempt to align with an Executive Order President Donald Trump signed that strips federal funds from programs that “promote gender ideology.”
The White House stated in the order, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female;” federal funds will not be used to promote different opinions. “These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”
The initial expectations were that the Census Bureau would ask questions relating to sexual and gender identity on the 2027 American Community Survey. Questionnaires were sent out in August to begin the testing phase of the survey, and these questions were included. Still, it is unclear whether they will be included following President Trump’s directive, per AP.
In a separate move by the Census Bureau, a meeting to set up guidelines for the 2030 census has been canceled for an undisclosed reason.
The Census Bureau has provided little information about the decision to cancel the meeting, writing in a short statement to committee members that more information will be provided later.