Urms

URMs, short for underrepresented minorities, is a term used primarily in the United States to describe racial and ethnic groups that have had historically limited representation in higher education, research, and certain professions. Definitions vary across agencies and institutions; commonly included are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. In some contexts, individuals with multiple identities are emphasized; in others, certain groups may be added or excluded.

In higher education, URMs are a focus of admissions policies, scholarships, and programs designed to broaden participation. In STEM and health sciences, there are targeted pipeline initiatives, undergraduate research opportunities, bridge programs, and graduate fellowships intended to increase representation and retention. In research settings, URM status may relate to both the composition of research teams and to the inclusion of URM populations as study participants, depending on the program's goals.

Rationale: proponents argue that diversity improves educational outcomes, innovation, and social equity, and that it helps address workforce disparities. Critics point to definitional ambiguity, concerns about essentializing identity, and debates about the balance between merit and representation, as well as questions about the effectiveness of some programs.

Data on URMs are typically collected via self-reporting on demographic forms, and trends are monitored to assess progress toward representation goals. While the term is most commonly used in the U.S., similar concepts exist in other countries under different terminology.