We are the data, and the data are diverse.

What is data disaggregation?

Breaking down government data into the building blocks of equity, inclusion, and fairness across our nation.

What is data disaggregation?

Breaking down government data into the building blocks of equityinclusionfairness across all 50 states.

Recent News & Actions
California’s SB 1016: Latino and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act Signed into Law by Governor Newsom
New Legislation in New Jersey will require State agencies to disaggregate data for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Middle Eastern and North African (MENA), and South Asian and Indian Diaspora communities.
Revising Directive 15: Federal Race and Ethnicity Data Standards

At A Glance: Current Progress Toward Data Disaggregation Nationwide

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States require data disaggregation of race and ethnicity beyond federal standards in revised Directive 15
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States require collection of disaggregated data for Asian and/or Pacific Island groups: CA, CT, MA, MN, NJ, NY, OR, RI, and WA
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States require collection of disaggregated data for Black or African groups: CA, CT, MA, MN, OR, and WA
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States require collection of disaggregated data for Hispanic/Latino groups: CT, MA, MN, OR, and WA
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States require collection of disaggregated data for Middle Eastern and/or North African data: CT, IL, NJ, NV, OR, and WA
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States require collection of some disaggregated tribal data: CT, MN, NM, OK, and OR
Understand the impact of data disaggregation.

Disaggregation means breaking down large data categories into more specific subcategories.

“Data disaggregation” refers to the collection, reporting, and analysis of information on specific subgroups by race, ethnicity, and other characteristics. When data are disaggregated, researchers are better able to analyze differences between groups, as well as the relationship between multiple variables, such as race and age.

Why do we need disaggregated data?

Aggregated data hide inequities and mask the nuanced realities of many communities behind larger trends.

What are we doing about it?

The Data Disaggregation Action Network is working to advance federal and state policies as they relate to data disaggregation by race and ethnicity.

We are the Data Disaggregation Action Network (D-DAN).

The Data Disaggregation Action Network (D-DAN) works to advance and implement federal and state policies as they relate to data disaggregation by race and ethnicity through the engagement and empowerment of communities. The D-DAN state and national advocacy infrastructure helps communities achieve equity by engaging stakeholders, policymakers, and communities on the need for disaggregated data and by collaborating to improve data quality and accessibility.

Partner Spotlight

We’ve reviewed the landscape.

State race & ethnicity data collection efforts beyond the federal minimum requirement are limited — but building momentum.

Currently, only a few states have laws requiring disaggregation of race or ethnicity data. However, ongoing efforts to engage communities and educate policymakers are building state-based momentum and helping to drive further progress in states across the country.

July 2024 Update

Only four months after “Disaggregation Nation” was first published, the federal minimum standards changed for the first time in more than 25 years. The potential for meaningful data disaggregation at the federal level has never been better — and state-level advocates have important practical experience and proof points to share.

Given the magnitude of the revision to Directive 15, this update to “Disaggregation Nation” is a most welcome and informative guide to current state-level data disaggregation laws for advocates, policymakers, and researchers.

Updates, News, and Developments

  • October 24, 2024

    California’s SB 1016: Latino and Indigenous Disparities Reduction Act Signed into Law by Governor Newsom

  • January 15, 2024

    New Legislation in New Jersey will require State agencies to disaggregate data for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI), Middle Eastern and North African (MENA), and South Asian and Indian Diaspora communities.

  • May 1, 2023

    Revising Directive 15: Federal Race and Ethnicity Data Standards

Use our D-DAN resource library and Community Partner Toolkit to advance data disaggregation in your state and community.

Use our D-DAN resource library and Community Partner Toolkit to advance data disaggregation in your state and community.

Our resource library provides insights into the state of data disaggregation efforts across the country and provides opportunities for your organization and community leaders to join this crucial work. The “Data Disaggregation Deconstructed” blog series explores how data disaggregation in various policy areas can enhance equity.