Rant on Race

Recently some well meaning bureaucrat got some law passed that every student in my state has to literally fill out the race card.  But me, I am a bit befuddled. Here is what I say:
According to Merriam Webster, the definition of the word Race is as follows:


Definition of RACE

1chiefly Scottish : the act of running

2a : a strong or rapid current of water flowing through a narrow channel b : a watercourse used industrially c : the current flowing in such a course

3a : a set course or duration of time b : the course of life

4a : a contest of speed b plural : a meeting in which several races (as for horses) are run c : a contest or rivalry involving progress toward a goal

5: a track or channel in which something rolls or slides; specifically : a groove (as for the balls) in a bearing — see roller bearing illustration

Origin of RACE

Middle English ras, from Old Norse rās; akin to Old English rǣs rush

First Known Use: 14th century

Now perhaps they want a description of racial characteristics:
definition of the word racial
—adj

1. denoting or relating to the division of the human species into races on grounds of physical characteristics

2. characteristic of any such group

3. relating to or arising from differences between the races: racial harmony

4. of or relating to a subspecies
But the definitions on the form they keep sending me do not ask for physical characteristics so I am not sure how to answer.

Because I do not understand the questions this form addresses based on the above definitions of classifications I am unable to answer this form based on the answers available.

Genetically, my children are a mix of Oriental and northern European genotypes. Without expensive genetic testing, I cannot give you specific percentages.

Culturally, my children are a blend of urban Midwestern with heavy Ashkenazi influences.

Geneologically, much of the records were lost in World War 2 on 3/4's of the family. We have good information on the Celtic tribal aspect of the family, and there is some evidence that there may be some native American DNA.

If its Ethnicity they want, it is easier. Definition:

eth·nic·i·ty

–noun, plural -ties.

1. ethnic traits, background, allegiance, or association.

2. an ethnic group: Representatives of several ethnicities were present.

Origin: 1765–75, for earlier sense
We pledge allegiance and identify ourselves to the following ethnicities: American.

I am not sure what we gain as a culture from this kind of idiotic bean counting.  It might be helpful to know about student achievement in terms of income, or parental educational level--but then we would have to admit that yes, here in America, we have classes, and that maybe all folks are not created equal, but we have to do something to make them equal.