Expert: Ralph Salier - 11/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: what determans the race of a  child in  a white and black couple. father ....black    mother white

ANSWER: Hi Sheila,

In such cases, the child is racially mixed. The child may have lighter skin then the black parent and may have recognizable features from the black parent as well just as we all share features and characteristics of our parents, regardless of racial mix.  In the next generation the child's children may exibit lighter or darker skin.

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QUESTION: i know all of this but what race do i put on school records

Answer
Hi Sheila,

Sorry, I did not realize that this was for a specific purpose.  Typically on such forms you can put "mixed" in to the "blank" space.  HOwever, if you feel more comfortable with a specific "racial" definition then select the one the child most resembles.  So if  they are very light skinned, put in white or darker, then black.  You can also use the term Mulato which is a common term used for mixed race children, but it may carry unintended negative conotations.  Personally I would use "mixed".