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For years he identified as white. Now he’s using a DNA test to claim minority status

onthebottom

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This is right up there with the dude who identified as a female to lower his car insurance (take that Geico)

For years he identified as white. Now he’s using a DNA test to claim minority status for his business

Ralph Taylor says it doesn’t matter what he looks like. Having lived most of his life as a white man, the 55-year-old now considers himself to be multiracial based on DNA test results.

The owner of Orion Insurance Group in Lynnwood also wants the U.S. Department of Transportation to recognize him as a minority so he can gain more deals providing liability insurance to contractors.

Taylor is suing state and the federal government because he was denied a minority-business certification under a program created more than two decades ago to help level the playing field for minority business owners seeking contracts in the transportation industry.

He provided no evidence he has suffered socially or economically because of race.

His case is pending with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

In 2010, Taylor began identifying himself as multiracial after a DNA ancestry test estimated he was 90 percent Caucasian, 6 percent indigenous American and 4 percent sub-Saharan African.

He applied for state certification with the state Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) so Orion Insurance Group would be considered a minority business.

With no criteria defining a minority race or ethnicity, the agency eventually approved Taylor. But that same state agency, which also manages the federal Transportation Department certification, decided he was Caucasian under that program’s procedures and denied his application.

Since then Taylor has pursued an unconventional legal path that raises questions about how the government determines who is and who isn’t a minority.

Should it matter what a person looks like? Should they have to prove they’ve suffered discrimination? Can DNA tests prove race or ethnicity? And is Taylor taking advantage of a program by basing his identity on DNA results that some experts consider unreliable?

The OMWBE decides on a case-by-case basis who qualifies for the state and federal programs it manages.

Gigi Zenk, former communications director for the office, said the programs are designed to provide minority business owners with equal access to contracts as a way of correcting persistent institutional discrimination.

“We work really hard to be fair, nothing is just black and white,” she said. “It’s never just one piece of evidence.”

Yet some who qualified for the program acknowledged they had never been disenfranchised.

A Yakima man who qualified for the state and federal programs said he is about 6 percent African American, looks Caucasian and has never encountered discrimination. Since 2014, the program has helped him win millions of dollars in contracts.

Taylor said the system is broken

“There’s no objective criteria and they’re picking the winners and losers,” he said.

Strands of DNA look like a twisted ladder with an arrangement of molecules, called a DNA sequence. Companies analyze DNA differently using, for example, only the direct male line, DNA passed from mother to child, or a person’s entire genome.

Using proprietary algorithms and databases, DNA companies compare someone’s DNA to a worldwide group of samples they’ve already collected to determine their ethnicity and race, right down to specific countries.

But when a company calculates ethnicity and race, some populations are underrepresented or overrepresented based on how many people are already in that company’s secret DNA database.

Some experts say there is little science behind DNA ethnicity results.

“It’s quite scientifically inaccurate,” said Jennifer Raff, an assistant professor with the University of Kansas anthropology department. “Most in the scientific community would repudiate it.”

Taylor says the DNA test he took in 2010 changed his life.

Born in Sacramento, he graduated from Washington State University and started Orion Insurance Group in 1995 after stints as a salesman.

The father of three daughters applied for OMWBE’s minority certification for his business in 2013 after getting his DNA results, hoping to get more transportation contracts.

As part of the state’s application process a business owner must submit a photograph, typically a driver’s license or government ID. Those who aren’t “visibly identifiable” based on the photo must submit further proof such as a birth certificate or tribal-enrollment papers.

The agency has no definition of “visibly identifiable,” and there is no manual that describes how employees should interpret someone’s visual appearance in a photograph.

Taylor supplied his driver’s license and his DNA results stating he was 6 percent indigenous American and 4 percent sub-Saharan African.

The company he used — Genelex of Seattle — divided people in its “AncestrybyDNA” results into four populations: sub-Saharan Africans, Europeans, East Asians and indigenous Americans.

No one from Genelex commented for this story, and its recorded phone message said it no longer offers genetic-ancestry testing.

Because DNA results are estimates with margins of error that vary depending on the database of samples for comparison, Taylor could be as little as 2.7 percent indigenous American and 0.7 percent sub-Saharan African, OMWBE records show.

Through his attorney, Taylor further claimed he was black because of the so-called “one-drop rule,” a concept used historically by governments and white people to promote segregation and disenfranchise those with any African ancestry — “one drop” of African blood.

The office denied Taylor’s certification stating he wasn’t visibly identifiable as a minority. But on appeal the state approved him in 2014.

Zenk said she doesn’t know why. Only a handful of people have submitted DNA as part of their application the past five years, she said.

When Taylor applied to OMWBE again — this time for a similar federal-level program with the federal Transportation Department — he had to provide further information when the office questioned him.

Taylor stated he subscribed to Ebony magazine and was an NAACP member. He also provided his DNA results and the 1916 death certificate of a black woman, but officials couldn’t determine whether she was related to him, OMWBE stated.

Another finding the office cited: Taylor’s birth certificate didn’t state a minority race or ethnicity.

He was denied certification in June 2014 because he didn’t prove by a preponderance of evidence that he was a minority for the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

“It is nonsensical for Mr. Taylor to claim that he has encountered social and economic disadvantage due to a heritage he was not aware of until the DNA test conducted in 2010,” stated an employee who that same year certified Taylor as a minority with the state program.

Taylor said he was disgusted by the decision.

“If I wanted to game the system I would have changed my birth certificate,” he said.

Internally, OMWBE employees compared Taylor to a man who they say was granted federal and state minority status because he provided the required tribal membership card and had 0.39 percent Native-American ancestry.

“Ralph Taylor had more than ten times higher blood percentage,” another employee wrote in an email obtained by Taylor and included in his lawsuit. “This seems dangerously close to preferential treatment to one group to the disadvantage of members of all other groups that do not issue membership cards.”

However, tribal enrollment is a complicated issue that isn’t always linked to fractions of blood and varies from tribe to tribe.

After he was rejected, Taylor filed a federal lawsuit against the OMWBE.

Judge Robert Bryan of the U.S. District Court of Western Washington dismissed the case last year stating the intent of the federal program is to combat racism in the industry and that Taylor’s reliance on his genetic test, “without regard to his appearance, is misplaced.”

Taylor’s attorney Marc Rosenberg appealed the case to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where oral arguments will be heard late this year or early next year.

If Taylor wins, his case could redefine how governments determine minority status for contracting purposes. If he loses, he said, at least he’s brought a conversation about that issue to the forefront.

Taylor said he’s spent up to $300,000 in legal costs trying to expose what he calls a subjective and broken system. He said the state should eliminate the minority part of the program and instead use a business owner’s economic status to qualify.

Birth certificates, which can be changed merely by asking, don’t list ethnic percentages.

In November, long after his denial by OMWBE, he changed his California birth certificate, which once said Caucasian. It now lists him as black, Native American and Caucasian.
 

Aardvark154

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Hmm, at least he is using genetic testing rather than: my grandmother said, and I have high cheekbones.
 

onthebottom

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Hmm, at least he is using genetic testing rather than: my grandmother said, and I have high cheekbones.
LOL

Has Pocahontas spit for 23 and me yet?
 

oldjones

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Shows the stupidity the Race Path inevitably leads to. Empirically and objectively, there is no such thing that factual evidence can define. It is entirely a construct of people's personal values-systems. But once you say that race exists, then you must define the imaginary thing, and it's impossible not to wind up at the bottom of that slippery slope you stepped onto.

This guy just figured out using a toboggan would be to his advantage. Like profiting from bankruptcy laws, 'that makes him smart'.
 

onthebottom

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Shows the stupidity the Race Path inevitably leads to. Empirically and objectively, there is no such thing that factual evidence can define. It is entirely a construct of people's personal values-systems. But once you say that race exists, then you must define the imaginary thing, and it's impossible not to wind up at the bottom of that slippery slope you stepped onto.

This guy just figured out using a toboggan would be to his advantage. Like profiting from bankruptcy laws, 'that makes him smart'.
Or he’s exposing the bankrupt progressive policies of conferred victimhood by catagory.
 

oldjones

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Or he’s exposing the bankrupt progressive policies of conferred victimhood by catagory.
By that category certainly. It's sickening to read 'race' is an official designation. Dump it, Neighbour! Try harder to be fair and objective in your dealings with your fellow citizens. There's no downside.
 

onthebottom

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By that category certainly. It's sickening to read 'race' is an official designation. Dump it, Neighbour! Try harder to be fair and objective in your dealings with your fellow citizens. There's no downside.
I agree, Asians are being discriminated against based on race at Harvard, some businesses are being given preferential treatment based on the race or gender of their owners.

You could be arguing that black lives matter is a racist and irrelevant movement as all lives matter.
 

derrick76

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I agree, Asians are being discriminated against based on race at Harvard, some businesses are being given preferential treatment based on the race or gender of their owners.

You could be arguing that black lives matter is a racist and irrelevant movement as all lives matter.
Then you would be missing the point of the movement, Trumptard style. It would be as if Critical Thinking 101 wasn't offered at Trump U.

As for Harvard's acceptance policies, do they only accept candidates based on grades? Or do they also consider other factors and achievements in order to bring more well-rounded individuals?
 

onthebottom

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Then you would be missing the point of the movement, Trumptard style. It would be as if Critical Thinking 101 wasn't offered at Trump U.

As for Harvard's acceptance policies, do they only accept candidates based on grades? Or do they also consider other factors and achievements in order to bring more well-rounded individuals?
You’ve done a good job at discounting your point with childish name calling and no content.

As for Harvard:

https://www.csmonitor.com/EqualEd/2...-s-at-stake-in-the-Harvard-admissions-lawsuit

Old jones seems to be suggesting that race should not be a factor in any decisions, that’s something I’m very comfortable with. Not how higher education works....
 

oldjones

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I agree, Asians are being discriminated against based on race at Harvard, some businesses are being given preferential treatment based on the race or gender of their owners.

You could be arguing that black lives matter is a racist and irrelevant movement as all lives matter.
You certainly can make that argument on the level of ideals. On the practical day-today level we all live on, you know that being Black can matter a great deal, even to the point of life and death. A fact the subject of this article knew and cleverly exploited.

The only 'way out' of the bind you guys have built and trapped yourselves in is to refuse to allow 'race' (under all its various synonyms and euphemisms) to be a lawful consideration anywhere, for any decision-making. Either everyone is equal, and 'race' is no more than a decorative distinction, and/or a cultural ornament, or you need to set up your National Commission of Racial Purity and admit you're officially bigotted.

Either way, it took generations to make this mess, and will take generations to clear it aside. The last few have seen more signs of hope than previous centuries.
 

onthebottom

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You certainly can make that argument on the level of ideals. On the practical day-today level we all live on, you know that being Black can matter a great deal, even to the point of life and death. A fact the subject of this article knew and cleverly exploited.

The only 'way out' of the bind you guys have built and trapped yourselves in is to refuse to allow 'race' (under all its various synonyms and euphemisms) to be a lawful consideration anywhere, for any decision-making. Either everyone is equal, and 'race' is no more than a decorative distinction, and/or a cultural ornament, or you need to set up your National Commission of Racial Purity and admit you're officially bigotted.

Either way, it took generations to make this mess, and will take generations to clear it aside. The last few have seen more signs of hope than previous centuries.
Now you are speaking out of both sides of your mouth.

I think we all aspire to a race, gender, sexual preference blind society. Unfortunately certain attributes are depressingly accurate predictors of outcomes at the aggregate. Most violent crime is committed by men. White people commit suciside most often. Black guys are really good at basketball. Women are safer drivers. Gay guys dress better, lesbians not so much. Only white guys/gals play hockey.

Do we ignore those and deal with people as individuals and not virtual members of many groups, I thought this is what you were arguing for. I’m very comfortable with that. I also think it’s completly consistent with identifying the sources of the inconsistency of outcomes above (other than Hockey, who cares) and dealing with the root causes vs engendering a set of advantages or disadvantages based on group membership.
 

oldjones

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Now you are speaking out of both sides of your mouth.

I think we all aspire to a race, gender, sexual preference blind society. Unfortunately certain attributes are depressingly accurate predictors of outcomes at the aggregate. Most violent crime is committed by men. White people commit suciside most often. Black guys are really good at basketball. Women are safer drivers. Gay guys dress better, lesbians not so much. Only white guys/gals play hockey.

Do we ignore those and deal with people as individuals and not virtual members of many groups, I thought this is what you were arguing for. I’m very comfortable with that. I also think it’s completly consistent with identifying the sources of the inconsistency of outcomes above (other than Hockey, who cares) and dealing with the root causes vs engendering a set of advantages or disadvantages based on group membership.
Welcome to the Convention of Both Sides of their Mouths Speakers; you'll fit right in. Ray'n'Bob is expected momentarily

Those things you mentioned are not predictors of an individual's performance, only statistical predictors of group results, but they may be entirely reasonable descriptors of what exists. Meantime, the person in front of you is only that, a person, no more and no less.

However, before any of those generalizations can be useful for anything, we must define the groups we're looking at. Just to stay connected to the case at hand, there certainly was a time in the USA when 4% of Blackness would be enough to disqualify someone as a White. And our guy explicitly says his claim is to reap the benefit of legislated treatment intended to address social and economic disadvantage, but stupidly defined by race. Since race has never been acceptably defined, and I'm confident it never will it's demonstrably dangerous and destructive (see American History from the present day back to the earliest settlements in the Caribbean) to use the concept for any but the most superficial and harmless purposes.

If you want to chat about Convention details, just point out some specific that you've noted.
------
PS: Black guys have played hockey since they first saw the game. And the Women driver nonsense used to run the other way. Just for starters.

And no one claims red cars go faster except silly kids.
 

mandrill

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Doesn't this case simply reinforce the truism that no matter how tightly you define a set of administrative regulations to control access to a specific government benefit program, there will always be a quirky, unforeseen, " one in a million" fact situation which leads to a bizarre result that no one intended???!!!

Like the guy who got PTSD counselling under a Canadian veteran's benefits program (which extended to veterans' families) when he was the son of a veteran who had never himself served a day and was in jail for killing a cop (which he claimed "traumatized" him and gave him ptsd). No one in their right mind foresaw such an outrageous and quirky fact situation or would have dreamed that veterans' benefits could or should cover it. But the recipient indisputably fit within the definition in the legislation.

These facts situations are a "rightie's dream come true", as it allows the Right to mock the whole idea of government benefits and demand that the whole program be scrapped.
 

onthebottom

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Welcome to the Convention of Both Sides of their Mouths Speakers; you'll fit right in. Ray'n'Bob is expected momentarily

Those things you mentioned are not predictors of an individual's performance, only statistical predictors of group results, but they may be entirely reasonable descriptors of what exists. Meantime, the person in front of you is only that, a person, no more and no less.

However, before any of those generalizations can be useful for anything, we must define the groups we're looking at. Just to stay connected to the case at hand, there certainly was a time in the USA when 4% of Blackness would be enough to disqualify someone as a White. And our guy explicitly says his claim is to reap the benefit of legislated treatment intended to address social and economic disadvantage, but stupidly defined by race. Since race has never been acceptably defined, and I'm confident it never will it's demonstrably dangerous and destructive (see American History from the present day back to the earliest settlements in the Caribbean) to use the concept for any but the most superficial and harmless purposes.

If you want to chat about Convention details, just point out some specific that you've noted.
------
PS: Black guys have played hockey since they first saw the game. And the Women driver nonsense used to run the other way. Just for starters.

And no one claims red cars go faster except silly kids.
How many NHL players are black? How many NBA players are Jewish?

Why do women have lower insurance rates if they are not better drivers?

Red cars are faster, just ask a cop.

We agree that whatever generalization you make about a group of people (let’s pick men) has nothing to do with the individual in front of you. But if men are more likely to kill you or become addicted to opioids one might reasonable argue that understanding genders role in those activity has a role to play in changing outcomes.
 

derrick76

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You’ve done a good job at discounting your point with childish name calling and no content.

As for Harvard:

https://www.csmonitor.com/EqualEd/2...-s-at-stake-in-the-Harvard-admissions-lawsuit

Old jones seems to be suggesting that race should not be a factor in any decisions, that’s something I’m very comfortable with. Not how higher education works....
You, the man who calls people all sorts of names, object to the label 'Trumptard'? You're the epitome of 'loves to dish it out, but cries to mommy when others dish it back'. Cry me a river.
 

onthebottom

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You, the man who calls people all sorts of names, object to the label 'Trumptard'? You're the epitome of 'loves to dish it out, but cries to mommy when others dish it back'. Cry me a river.
I’d be ok with that if you were smart enough to make a fracking point, sadly that’s been lacking.
 

oldjones

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How many NHL players are black? How many NBA players are Jewish?

Why do women have lower insurance rates if they are not better drivers?

Red cars are faster, just ask a cop.

We agree that whatever generalization you make about a group of people (let’s pick men) has nothing to do with the individual in front of you. But if men are more likely to kill you or become addicted to opioids one might reasonable argue that understanding genders role in those activity has a role to play in changing outcomes.
And changing outcomes is the purpose of programs like the one this guy intended to exploit. In this instance the group was defined by 'race', and he quite rationally and methodically established his entitlement by scientific analysis.. Apparently, the you and your media source found this, … upsetting? So do tell us how to better define that group. Or you could define Jews — practising? converts? ethnic? apostate and turned Mormon? — for your NBA example.

Ask an actuary about women's insurance rates. They might well have fewer accidents, not because they're better drivers but because they drive fewer miles. Why? Because guys grab the driver's seat, maybe. Or maybe the rates are a come-on to attract the largest pool of new drivers. Having lower rates doesn't establish the driving ability of women; fewer accidents per mile driven does that. But until recently we had no way to assess that.
 
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