Examining and Addressing Implicit & Racial Bias

Using an equity lens, the Expanded Success Initiative (ESI) is examining how educators, administrators and students can confront bias and racism in schools. For the most part, if you spoke to anyone who is in the education profession he or she would say that "all children can learn" and that "all children can succeed". Every day they spend their time working, with best intentions, to make that a reality. While "good intentions" are honorable, the research shows us that intentions are not good enough since our actions oftentimes do not reconcile with the best of intentions. This is why we all must be aware of the concept of implicit bias; the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions and decisions unconsciously.
During this session, ESI is partnering with the Perception Institute to lead an interactive and engaging discussion around the impact that implicit biases have on the way in which we see the world.
After watching a screening of American Denial, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the role that our implicit biases and racial anxieties play in preventing us from acting according to our egalitarian values. We will then engage in a facilitated dialogue about how to navigate race more effectively. Our goal is for participants to walk away with techniques to apply in the educational context and our daily lives.