Unconscious Bias
Implicit or unconscious bias are [favorable and unfavorable] attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decision in an unconscious [involuntary] manner.
—Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
The purpose of the Unconscious Bias training is to define implicit or unconscious bias and how it shows up in both our verbal and non-verbal communication. We explore the impact that unconscious bias has on our campus and in our communities. Participants are also asked to consider the contexts for which unconscious bias can cause harm to various communities, particularly historically underrepresented communities. Finally, the workshop walks participants through strategies for reducing potential harm that is caused when unconscious bias goes unexamined or unaddressed.
Our goal is not to restrict one’s freedom of expression, but rather to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment by engaging with the language, behaviors, and processes that can cause harm for some individuals and communities on our campus.