Workshop I: Understanding and Navigating Implicit Bias
Thursday, May 13, from 2-3pm
Implicit or unconscious bias represents the stereotypes and beliefs we hold outside of our own conscious awareness. All of us, regardless of our best intentions, hold implicit bias — numerous studies demonstrate that people harbor these biases even when they explicitly believe that prejudice and discrimination are wrong. These deeply rooted assumptions slip into our everyday interactions and decision-making in unrecognized ways. This workshop will: 1) define implicit bias; 2) explore how a lifetime of exposure to cultural attitudes and beliefs about groups lead to the development of these biases, 3) review research highlighting the impact of unconscious bias on our everyday decisions and interactions, and 4) provide guidance on what we can do to uncover and minimize the effects of implicit bias.
Workshop II: Death by a Thousand Papercuts: Understanding the Impacts of Microaggressions in Learning Environments
Thursday, May 20, from 1:30-3:30pm
Microaggressions are brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages, whether intentional or unintentional, to individuals from marginalized groups. Microaggressions are the result of unconscious or implicit biases that seep into interactions with marginalized people. These everyday occurrences may on the surface appear quite harmless or trivial, but research indicates they have negative impacts on students’ health and academic performance. This workshop will help participants learn how to identify various forms of microaggressions, understand the impact of microaggressions on students’ well-being, and develop strategies to respond appropriately when they occur in classroom settings.