Minority Status in the U.S.: Based on Race, Ethnicity, and National Origin

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a minority as a person belonging to a racial or ethnic group that is numerically smaller than the majority (non-Hispanic White) population.

Protected Categories (OMB Directive 15 / Census)

• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino (any race)
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Asian
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
• Two or More Races

Legal & Policy Use

• Voting Rights Act: Language minorities (Spanish, Asian, Native American languages).
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Race/ethnicity/sex/national origin/religion/disability/age.
• Federal contracting: MBE/DBE certification (minority/disadvantaged business).
• Higher education: Diversity reporting (IPEDS), affirmative action (varies by state post-SFFA v. Harvard).

Beyond Numbers

"Minority" also implies historical/exclusionary power dynamics—not just population share. Women are a numerical majority but often treated as a minority group in equity contexts. LGBTQ+, disability, and religious minorities are recognized in specific statutes but not in the OMB racial/ethnic framework.