Leading Equity. Sheldon L. Eakins

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How does a nice person or a close individual look? Can a skin color look unfriendly? What about a hijab? How might your conception of a “nice” appearance have been influenced by your environment, beliefs, or upbringing? I have ended a romantic relationship because I felt too uncomfortable with an aspect of the person's physical appearance (e.g., physical disability, skin color, weight). Yes No You've likely heard the saying that opposites attract, but what differences qualify as insurmountable? Think about the differences you are willing and unwilling to accept in a romantic partner. How many unacceptable features are physical traits? What might this indicate about your unconscious biases? When I buy gifts for children, I look up toys that are popular for little girls or little boys, depending on their gender. Yes No What assumptions do we make about gender as it relates to children's interests and abilities? What harm might those assumptions potentially impose on young children? When I notice a same-sex couple in public, I try to pretend like I don't see them. I am sure they would not appreciate being singled out. Yes No When you see a same-sex couple in public, what feelings do you notice within yourself? Often, we may react to discomfort with avoidance. However, choosing to ignore individuals who are different from us is committing an erasure that ultimately can perpetuate harm and overlook injustice. I treat all my students the same regardless of their physical characteristics or cognitive abilities. That's the fair thing to do. Yes No What is the difference between equality and equity? Is it possible to meet students' individual needs without acknowledging their unique identities, backgrounds, and characteristics? I have asked to switch seats at a restaurant or on a plane to distance myself from a person who is dressed strangely. Yes No What qualifies as “strange” attire to you? What assumptions do we hold about culture or class that might inform the level of threat that we infer from a person's appearance? If I see a person paying with coupons or food stamps at the grocery store, I will try to pick a different checkout line. Yes No Taken at face value, this may seem like a decision based purely on convenience and efficiency. However, think deeply about what thoughts or emotions this situation creates for you. What assumptions about socioeconomic class might influence your decision to distance yourself from an individual using coupons or a government assistance program? If I noticed a person making strange involuntary noises in public, I would call the police. That person could be a danger to themself or to someone else. Yes No When you recognize signs of mental illness, how do you react? How does your knowledge about a particular behavior or disorder inform that reaction? What assumptions do you hold about individuals who live with mental illnesses?

Implicit Bias Talk Moves

      Educators often ask me for ways to address/intervene when we witness bias taking place. Here is a list of sentence stems and conversation starters that will empower educators to discuss implicit bias with students and colleagues. While it is crucial to confront biased behavior, discrimination, and racism, these conversation stems are not intended to force conversations, but rather, they are designed to invite productive engagement between individuals.

      Initiating Conversations About Implicit Bias

      Use these conversation starters to proactively start a dialogue about implicit bias when there is no specific behavior or harm to be addressed.

       Are you willing to have an honest dialogue with me about… ?

      This question empowers the other person to consent or decline, based on their assessment of their readiness to engage productively.

       It's important to me that we discuss…

      This statement prioritizes the conversation as something that matters to you personally. It conveys to the other individual that if they respect you, they also should treat the discussion with respect.

      Challenging Implicit Biases

      Use these conversation starters after an individual has made a statement that conveys implicit bias.

       I have a different perspective. May I share it with you?

      This response does not indict the individual or tell the other person that they are wrong. However, it does cue the other person in that you are going to share something that may be in opposition to their beliefs. This conversation stem invites the other person to listen if they are ready or decline if they are not.

       Can you tell me why you feel that way?

      This response prompts the individual to dig beneath surface-level stereotypes or misconceptions and unpack the true nature of their feelings or beliefs.

      Addressing Biased Behavior

      Use these conversation starters after you have witnessed a person do or say something offensive.

       When I saw/heard _____, I felt…

      This statement begins with an objective observation before sharing your feelings. It does not presume that the other person acted intentionally out of malice and allows you to challenge their perspective.

       Let's take a moment to consider how _____ might have felt when they saw/heard _____.

      This conversation starter signals empathy, which is essential in conversations about implicit bias. It invites individuals to enrich their perspective rather than indicting them for their actions.

      Telling Your Own Story

      Use these conversation starters to begin sharing your own experiences with implicit bias.

       In my experience, …

      This statement centers on your lived experience and your truth. It encourages active listening rather than debate, as individuals engage with your narrative rather than defending their ideas.

       As an individual who identifies as…

      This statement connects you as an individual with a broader social group. It makes it less probable for the other person to classify you as an exception or not “really” a member of that social group.

      Next, we will look at ways to recognize our privilege.

Recognizing Your Privilege

      Let's move on to privilege. Like biases, we all have some form of privilege. There are so many kinds of privilege

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