VASSA Implicit Bias June 2021 Handout smith

VASFAA Conference Session: June 2021 2:45-3:45 PM • HANDOUT VASFAA Conference Session: 10 June 2021 2:45 - 3:45 PM Unintentional Bias’s Role in Social Justice: An Introduction to How It Works & Strategies for Reduction  Dr Sherwood Smith, Ed.D Center for Cultural Pluralism VP Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, University of Vermont [ He/Him/His] Land Acknowledgement UVM is located on the land which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange among indigenous peoples for thousands of years and is home of the Western Abenaki People UVM honors, recognizes and respects these peoples, especially the Abenaki, as the traditional stewards of the lands and waters on which we gather today In that spirit, today we will begin by acknowledging that we are guest in this land We need to respect and help protect the lands within our use Logistics  Mute your mics when you are not speaking  Utilize the chat to share questions and thoughts  To help with sharing air time, use the “raise hand” feature in Zoom if you would like to speak Group Agreements  Stay Engaged  “I” statements vs generalizations  Speak Your Truth  Experience of Discomfort With New Ideas = Learning  Expect & Accept Non-Closure  Own Our Own Beliefs Think & Respond Over the next few slides, we will have three quick and short prompts Take a moment to personal engage with them and feel free to type your answer in the chat, if you would like How are you feeling coming into this session? When I hear the word “uinintentional" I think of When I hear the word "bias“ I think of Debrief Quick Differences Between Bias EXPLICIT BIAS • • • IMPLICIT BIAS Aware • Voluntary Intentional • • Unaware Involuntary Unintentional Sources of Implicit Bias 20 Errors Related to Implicit Bias VCHIP Oct 2020 Wait, so if it is unconscious, does that mean I can't anything about it? 22 Personal Strategies for Reducing Implicit Biases Slow Down & Focus: Identify distractions and sources of stress within the decisionmaking environment and try to reduce them Put Feedback Mechanisms into place: Expand your network and friends = avoid group think Counter Stereotypes Intentionally Look for examples to conflict with potential stereotypes Build Relationships across differences; Practice talking to people who are different from you System Strategies for Reducing Implicit Biases MINDSET: • Ask Questions of Ourselves: • What are my biases? Have humility Self-aware (mindful) DECOUPLING PROCESS FROM PRECEPTION: • Ask Questions about our Organization: • Where does implicit bias play out in our setting? • Slow Down Decision-Making when possible DEBIASING: Counter generalizations & stereotypes ACCOUNTABILITY WITHIN AND EXTERNAL: • Ambiguity in Decision-Making – establish standards prior to decisionmaking Blind Spot Bias The ability to see bias in others, but not in ourselves Therefore Big benefit of open conversations and multiple viewpoints/perspectives Identity Graphic Intent & Impact? Role of privilege? Situations Experiences Histories Relative Positions & Power Smith 10 June 2021 27 What are Key Points For Action ADDRESSING UNINTENTIONAL BIAS PERSONAL WORLD VIEW Smith 10 June 2021 CULTURAL “NORMS” ORGANIZATION STRUCTURES ( ie Policies) Bias in Decision Making Implicit Bias Resources  http://www.npr.org/2016/10/17/498219482/how-the-concept-of-implicit-bias-came-into-being .Oct 17, 2016 - Implicit bias has become a key part of the national dialogue on race in America How The Concept Of Implicit Bias Came Into Being : NPR  Adams, M., Bell, L.A & Griffin, P (Eds.) (2007) Teaching for diversity and social justice: A source book New York: Routledge  http://www.ncsc.org/~/media/Files/PDF/Topics/Gender%20and%20Racial%20Fairness/Implicit%20Bias%20FAQs%20rev.ashx  https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html Take a test - Project Implicit - Harvard University  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tamera_Schneider/publication/269354231_Using_implicit_bias_training_to_improve_attitu des_toward_women_in_STEM/links/54e63e100cf2cd2e028e5362.pdf  http://www.npr.org/2016/10/17/498219482/how-the-concept-of-implicit-bias-came-into-being .Oct 17, 2016 - Implicit bias has become a key part of the national dialogue on race in America How The Concept Of Implicit Bias Came Into Being : NPR  The New York Times Miniseries Who, Me? Biased?  Prejudice In The Brain: Can You Break Biased Habits? www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/10/prejudice-in-thebrain_n_1195880.html Closing For Now “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin Thank You & Questions ... Differences Between Bias EXPLICIT BIAS • • • IMPLICIT BIAS Aware • Voluntary Intentional • • Unaware Involuntary Unintentional Sources of Implicit Bias 20 Errors Related to Implicit Bias VCHIP Oct... Power Smith 10 June 2021 27 What are Key Points For Action ADDRESSING UNINTENTIONAL BIAS PERSONAL WORLD VIEW Smith 10 June 2021 CULTURAL “NORMS” ORGANIZATION STRUCTURES ( ie Policies) Bias in... Policies) Bias in Decision Making Implicit Bias Resources  http://www.npr.org/2016/10/17/498219482/how-the-concept-of -implicit- bias- came-into-being .Oct 17, 2016 - Implicit bias has become a key part