Unconscious Bias
Understanding unconscious bias is an important first step to making structural and personal changes that support equity and inclusion. For some groups (e.g., faculty who self-identify as Black, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, or persons with disabilities, as well as their intersecting identities), systemic or recurring bias contributes to lack of representation, advancement opportunities, and support across all stages of the academic life cycle. To address underrepresentation and discrimination, members and chairs of committees or other groups making decisions about academic careers or activities can undertake efforts to identify, interrupt and mitigate unconscious bias.
Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence (TIDE) Workshops
The Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence (TIDE) is a grassroots service group consisting of University of Toronto (U of T) faculty members from across disciplines, with a focus on advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion at U of T. TIDE provides free evidence-based workshops, education and resources covering unconscious bias, racism, sexism, and other barriers to inclusion and belonging at U of T, along with recommendations on practical actions that aim to mitigate and overcome these barriers. TIDE’s services cover all aspects of departmental culture and the academic career arc, plus confidential counsel to academic leaders, staff units, and administrators.
Supports for some TIDE activities are provided by the Office of the Vice President & Provost and the Vice Principal Academic and Dean, University of Toronto Scarborough because of the important service provided to the University community by TIDE. To learn more, or to book a workshop go to: https://www.toronto-tide.ca Questions can be directed to: unconscious.bias@utoronto.ca
More information regarding unconscious bias is available on the 'References & Resources' page (sidebar menu)