SUNY Delhi Welcomes Community to 'Unconscious Bias' Presentation

DELHI, NY (08/08/2017) (readMedia)-- SUNY Delhi welcomes the public to join in the process of creating a more inclusive community with "Moving from Unconscious Bias to Conscious Decision Making" on Wednesday, August 23 at 10 a.m. in The Okun Theatre.

Led by Tufts University social psychologists Dr. Samuel Sommers and Dr. Keith Maddox, the 75-90-minute presentation will discuss the nature of implicit bias, how to identify the circumstances under which bias is most likely to emerge, and potential strategies for minimizing its influence.

"SUNY Delhi aims to be a welcoming and inclusive campus and community for all," said Michele DeFreece, Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "Opportunities like this show the college's commitment to creating a place where students, faculty, staff and community can learn, work, live and thrive."

Research demonstrates that everyone harbors unconscious biases that can lead to quick judgments of people and situations influenced by background, culture, environment and personal experiences. Acknowledgment and education are crucial to moving from unconscious bias to conscious decision making.

Dr. Sommers is a professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Psychology Department at Tufts University. His research focuses on stereotyping, prejudice and group diversity in relation to race and social interaction and the intersection of psychology and the U.S. legal system.

Dr. Maddox is an associate professor in the Psychology Department at Tufts University and the director of the Tufts University Social Cognition Lab. His research focuses on social cognitive aspects of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.

This is the first of a series of programs at SUNY Delhi aimed at building a more welcoming and inclusive campus where every student and employee can work and succeed. The presentation is hosted by the SUNY Delhi President's Office, Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Diversity Advisory Council.

For more information, please contact Michele DeFreece at 607-746-4742.