PR Resources Hot Topics in School PR Supporting a Complete Count in the U.S. 2020 Census

NSPRA Executive Board Resolution

WHEREAS, the U.S. Census, which is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, enumerates every person in the country, regardless of citizenship status, and is fundamental to fair and representative government;

WHEREAS, the 2020 Census has critical implications for all public schools in the United States by determining for each state its allocation of seats in the House of Representatives and its portion of billions of dollars in federal funding, including for public education;

WHEREAS, a fair and accurate count on the 2020 Census will help ensure that all communities, families and students are represented in our democracy and receive critical services and supports for education, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure;

WHEREAS, census counts of school-aged children and children in poverty at the state and school district levels are used to determine funding for the U.S. Department of Education’s two biggest elementary and secondary programs, Title I (compensatory education) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (special education) as well as the National School Lunch Program;

WHEREAS, census data are used to calculate the rate at which federal funds match state spending on programs that support the health and well-being of students, including Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP);

WHEREAS, the more than 1,800 members of the National School Public Relations Association reside in a variety of states and territories while representing hundreds of diverse school districts, including those with populations that have historic low census participation and that are most frequently undercounted, including children, immigrants, Latinos and Native Americans;

Therefore, be it resolved that the National School Public Relations Association will:

• Inform its members about the critical importance of a complete count and of activities, processes and the timeline for the 2020 Census;
• Provide guidance and resources to assist members in promoting the 2020 Census within their own communities to ensure a complete count;
• And formally recognize that every child and adult in the United States counts.

Adopted: March 2020