Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
If you aren't currently part of the tribe then you can't claim it for purposes such as those being discussed. If you are claiming minority status then they have every right to ask you to prove such status. I know you understand Affirmtive Action so I'm not sure how you can make such as statement as the one bolded above in your post. As far as your Mexican-American example above - I guess they don't have Mexican-American tribal rollcalls?
HSLD does a good job of explaining the issue in his post a few back (#43).
I'm just playing devil's advocate here but why do only native Americans have a recognized council that certifies membership in a racial group? Is there an African American council, or a Latino American certification/card? Perhaps all the 1/16 Cherokee people should form a group to certify their status as a minority. This isn't something I'd want to be involved in as an HR recruiter.
"Oh you're obviously African American. But you, you need a tribal card!"
"Are you REALLY a woman?"
What a mess...
I think the USC is hearing a case on affirmative action in state schools this term. Decision/scope will be too narrow though.