I am applying for some scholarships and I can never never remember if I am eligible.
My mother remarried when I was sever years old. Her husband (whom I call "Dad") adopted me. His name replaced my biological father's on my birth certificate. He is Hispanic/Latino.
I grew up with his side of the family. I feel I lived within that culture and also in a typical Caucasian-American one.
What do I put down on these appications when they ask me what my background is?
My mom puts it this way: "Because you grew up in that culture and because of your last name (Hernandez), you are in danger of being discriminated against."
She says this because she feels she and my dad have been discriminated against due to their name (when they were applying for a home loan). She believes I have a right (legal and other) to claim to be of a Hispanic baackground when applying for financial aid.
Can anyone help me out here?
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Hmmm. I don't know. And what about kids adopted across racial lines (black kids living with white parents, etc.?) An interesting question.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
(hop onto aim!)
Posted by Tigger (Member # 8171) on :
Well, "ethnicity" is collected due to federal mandates that have much more to do with federal funding and census counts, than anything else and is looked at separately from "race".
By federal law, discrimination due to race (and lots of other characteristics such as gender, religion) is illegal - but, of course, that doesn't stop some from judging based on those things.
I believe that to qualify for Native American preference, including tribal membership, you must have a certain percentage of that tribal blood. I do not know if it works that way for other races. You might just ask the potential funder if relationship by adoption is sufficient, or if there needs to be a blood percentage.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
When you convert, does being Jewish count? I think when it comes to things like housing, both Jewish and Asian Americans can still be discriminated against.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:I believe that to qualify for Native American preference, including tribal membership, you must have a certain percentage of that tribal blood.
No you don't. I know a guy who has tribal membership because he was adopted by somebody who had a certain percentage of tribal blood. He himself didn't have any that they could prove.
Posted by andi330 (Member # 8572) on :
Ethinicty, for the purpose of a college application is what race you are physically. If you are a member of a minority by blood, then you should put that information on the application, you may be eligible for scholarships etc. Unfortunately, even if you were adopted and raised by someone who is a member of a minority you cannot use their race as part of your ethinicty.
Posted by Tigger (Member # 8171) on :
Do you know which tribe that is, mph? I'd be interested in knowing -
Posted by andi330 (Member # 8572) on :
However, if you have questions about a specific scholarship you may want to contact the board that administers it. Sometimes they will make exceptions or have other rules. When in doubt ask. That way there won't be any misunderstandings later on.