Implicit bias is the attitudes, stereotypes, and beliefs that we hold that unconsciously affect how we see and treat others. By definition, these biases are not intentional. However, they can still negatively affect how we make decisions by impacting how we judge other people based broadly on their race, gender, ability, or other features instead of considering who they are individually or examining the specific situation at hand. Implicit bias can affect school discipline. Discipline is often based on whether children’s behavior seems disruptive or challenging. Implicit bias can change how providers/teachers and administrators perceive children’s behaviors and lead to unfair labels, judgments, and consequences. For example, a provider/teacher may discipline a Black boy and a White girl acting the same way differently because of his/her implicit biases.[1]

[1] (Adamu, Hogan, 2015)