Navajo Nation Joins Lawsuit Against The Federal Government For Shortening The 2020 Census
The Navajo Nation has joined a federal lawsuit, alongside several non-profits, city and county governments, and the Gila River Indian Community, against the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Commerce for shortening the time period to complete the 2020 Census.
After the coronavirus pandemic disrupted efforts to complete the 2020 Census. The U.S. Government had extended the deadline to Oct. 31. But last month, the federal government implemented the “rush plan” and changed the deadline to Sept. 30.
The lawsuit claims that the new deadline threatens a significant under-count, especially for hard-to-count communities, and that the government “had no sound basis for expediting deadlines.”
The plan would shorten the follow up phase where census teams go door to door to residents who haven’t yet responded to previous phases. As of Sept. 2, the Navajo Nation is at an 18.2% response rate. Tribal President Jonathan Nez encourages residents to respond to the 2020 Census. Residents can self-respond for the 2020 Census online by going to its website, or by calling (844) 330-2020.
