Native American students may be undercounted by 90% in California schools

California's student data system undercounts Native American students by up to 90% due to a loophole that erases their identity when they also identify as Hispanic or another race. This denies them access to cultural services and programs.

- Students who check Hispanic and Native American are counted only as Hispanic. - Native American students identifying as another race are counted as "two or more races." - The actual number of Native American students may be 156,000, not the reported 24,822.

- Assembly Bill 1581 would allow students to write in their tribal affiliation and be counted as Native American regardless of other races. The bill, authored by Assemblymember James Ramos, aims to provide a more accurate count and ensure Native American students receive the services they are entitled to.