LA County’s Equality Gap—Armenians Deserve Fair Recognition
In the United States, major minority groups such as Black, Latino, Asian, Jewish, LGBTQ, and Native American communities receive far greater public attention, visibility, and funding than lesser-known minorities like Armenians. Yet Armenians are anything but small or insignificant in California, where more than 900,000 reside, including over 700,000 in the greater Los Angeles area. This substantial presence makes their consistent exclusion from fair funding and recognition indefensible. When budgets tighten, Armenians are among the first to be cut, revealing a systemic disregard for their contributions and needs. Government agencies have failed to address this inequity, raising serious concerns about fairness and the persistent erasure of Armenian communities from opportunities afforded to others.
Research and academic reports confirm that smaller minority groups, especially those less accustomed to public protest, are often overlooked in conversations about discrimination. This neglect directly impacts their access to government funding, political power, and essential services. The silence of overlooked communities allows majority groups to remain unaware of their struggles. A 2015 Wiley Online Library study found that many minority group members stay quiet about discrimination out of fear of being ignored or punished. This silence allows prejudice to fester and ensures that inequities remain unchallenged.
Funding formulas amplify the problem. Many grants and government allocations depend on census and demographic data that have historically undercounted certain populations. For Armenians, this undercounting is particularly harmful, stripping them of resources, services, and political clout.
Historically, the U.S. Census has categorized Americans of Middle Eastern and North African descent, including Armenians, as “White.” This outdated categorization erased their identity and skewed data that determines funding and representation. Although the Office of Management and Budget approved long-overdue changes in 2024 to include a Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) category for the 2030 census, Armenian-American advocates warn the problem is far from solved. Armenians are not listed as a specific sub-category. Without an explicit Armenian checkbox, many will not know to identify as MENA. The result will be the same chronic undercounting, a continued loss of political power, and unfair cuts when resources are scarce.
The consequences are profound. Undercounting reduces Armenian voting power in critical districts like Los Angeles, as seen during the 2020 redistricting, when Armenian representation nearly suffered significant dilution. It also deprives the community of millions in public health funding, education programs, and cultural initiatives. Each inaccurate number on the census translates into fewer services, fewer opportunities, and a weaker voice for one of California’s most deeply rooted and culturally rich communities.
California cannot claim to value diversity while sidelining nearly a million Armenians. Equity cannot be selective. A population of this size and influence should never be treated as expendable. Immediate action is required to correct this imbalance. Government agencies, local leaders, and funding bodies must ensure Armenians are counted accurately, funded fairly, and represented fully. Anything less is discrimination in practice. Genuine equity demands that Armenians be recognized, supported, and protected as a vital part of California’s diverse fabric.
About TAAL
TAAL is a 501©3 non-profit advocacy organization founded in 2020 due to a significant increase in anti-Armenian racism, defamation, hate crimes, and Armenophobia. We monitor and confront bias, disinformation, propaganda, and slander of the Armenian people and culture at the media level, including social media, academics, intelligentsia, and public policy.
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