Implicit Bias: What is it and Why Does it Matter and Privilege, Bias, and Debiasing Systems-Presentation

Presentation - Implicit Bias

Pdf Summary

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) offers a two-part workshop series focused on equity, inclusion, implicit bias, and privilege, crucial topics for the sustainability of housing and community development programs. This introductory session covers how the brain processes information and forms implicit biases—unconscious attitudes or stereotypes influencing decisions and actions without awareness.<br /><br />NAHRO has actively engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives since 2013, including adopting an Equity Policy Framework and creating DEI training curricula. The workshop emphasizes understanding cognitive functions such as schemas (mental shortcuts), stereotypes, attitudes, and in-group/out-group dynamics, which shape perception and interactions often unconsciously.<br /><br />Implicit bias differs from explicit bias in that it operates involuntarily and without conscious control, potentially leading to unfair treatment despite individuals' intentions. Key cognitive biases discussed include confirmation bias, anchoring bias, availability heuristic, change blindness, inattentional bias, and the illusory truth effect—each influencing how people interpret information and make decisions.<br /><br />The session highlights the real-world implications of implicit bias for housing professionals, affecting client eligibility, criminal background evaluations, service delivery, and program compliance. These biases reinforce existing dominant cultural norms within housing systems and can negatively impact vulnerable populations, including persons experiencing homelessness.<br /><br />To counteract implicit bias, the workshop encourages personal reflection and actions such as taking Harvard’s Implicit Bias tests, practicing mindfulness, slowing decision-making to allow introspection, seeking diverse perspectives, and focusing on individual characteristics rather than group stereotypes.<br /><br />Additional resources include the Kirwan Institute, "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein, and tools on recognizing and mitigating implicit bias. NAHRO’s approach aims to equip housing and community development professionals with knowledge and strategies to foster equitable practices and reduce bias at both personal and systemic levels.

Keywords

NAHRO

implicit bias

equity

inclusion

housing programs

community development

cognitive biases

diversity training

systemic bias

mindfulness