Understanding and Navigating Implicit Bias
Lynn Hernandez
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, CUNY School of Medicine
October 19, 2021, 12:30-2:00pm

In this workshop, 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 with students and colleagues, and 4) provide guidance on what we can do to uncover and minimize the effects of implicit bias to improve overall workplace climate.