ERI Statement: Why Public Access to Data Matters for Transparency and Accountability
In recent weeks, communities have faced an onslaught of news flowing from the Trump Administration, including sharp limits on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the increasing threat of mass deportation of immigrants, and the removal of public datasets from federal websites. The USC Equity Research Institute (ERI) is deeply concerned about all these efforts but perhaps most in our specific wheelhouse: we urge government leaders to recommit to democratic open data policies that uphold transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and public access to information.
Why Public Data Matters
Access to public data is not just important to our operations—it is a cornerstone of effective research and policy. In the past few weeks, lifeline data that provides necessary insights into public health, environmental justice, and economic trends has been stripped from federal agency websites. This data is necessary for efficient and informed policy and decision making for many government officials. In addition, community organizers, advocates, and community-based researchers utilize this data to tell the story of their communities, to ensure that economic growth is equitable, and to evaluate the proposals and actions of elected and government officials.
Committed to Knowledge, Power, and Progress
The USC Equity Research Institute is committed to an inclusive society where all can thrive and we stand by our mission to provide data and knowledge to power social change. We believe that long-term change is made when historically marginalized communities are empowered, can put forth proposals, and hold decision-makers accountable. Removing this data from public access creates barriers to accountability, weakens the ability of communities to advocate for their needs, hampers recovery and prevention efforts, and erodes public trust in institutions that should serve communities.
Much of our own work to track outcomes and advance inclusion relies on high-quality public data. For example:
- The California Immigrant Data Portal provides data to better understand the issues facing California’s immigrants.
- The National Equity Atlas provides disaggregated data for racial equity advocates designing and planning their communities.
- The Bay Area Equity Atlas is a regional data hub tracking equity and guiding community leaders toward inclusive prosperity.
- The RepresentLA report presents key insights on immigrant demographics, legal representation, and the RepresentLA program’s impact.
Take Action: Public Data Belongs to the Public
Our institute will work to support efforts to preserve and distribute critical data, advocate for strong protections for open access, and collaborate with partners to ensure that vital information remains available to those who need it.
We urge our partners, researchers, and advocates to join us in reaffirming the principle that public data belongs to the public. Public data access is an essential tool for multiracial solidarity and collective action. Now, more than ever, we must stand together to protect access to information that empowers communities, advances knowledge, and ensures a government that works for all.