Equity and Inclusion Leadership Toolkit: Interrupting Bias

Everyone has biases. It is a matter of human nature. The issue is whether we act on them. This requires developing habits of mind to interrogate one’s own biases and acting to promote fair consideration and equity. As a leader it is important for you to also demonstrate your own process as well as emulate how to interrupt unchecked biases, particularly those that disadvantage minoritized populations as they can foster chilly to hostile work and learning environments.

• Can bias be subtle? Yes, but little slights can add up over time. Learn more about microaggressions (UMASS Lowell).
• Learn how to interrupt bias in the faculty search process – watch the film and read the facilitation guide (University of Washington)
• Read this study introducing a new approach to organizational change to interrupt gender bias, called Metrics-Based Bias Interrupters.
• Mobilizing bystanders to address microaggressions in the workplace: The case for a systems-change approach to Getting A (Collective) GRIP.
• Learn how bystanders can shut down microaggressions.