ADL Education: Anti-Bias Learning Framework

We each hold many aspects of identity. Exploring identity is central to understanding bias and establishing classrooms and spaces where everyone is included and respected. Our identity shapes how we view and experience the world. Understanding the significance and complexity of identity is an essential process for a community of learners to engage in. Exploring identity is the foundation for understanding the connection between identity, bias and injustice.

Diversity is a strength and differences surround us—from the classroom to the community to the larger society. Our diverse society compels every learner to develop the language and mindset to interpret differences and learn how to communicate about and across differences. Being willing to recognize different perspectives and reject stereotypes, learners of all ages can develop the skills to affirm identities and build a shared understanding of the diversity of our world.

Because our brains process vast amounts of information by quickly organizing new data according to familiar patterns, bias becomes part of information processing. Without being aware of it, we associate new experiences with the beliefs and messages we’ve received from the people in our lives, the media we consume and the institutions we interact with. Bias causes harm, whether that bias is conscious or unconscious. Understanding the harm caused by bias and repairing it is central to challenging bias in ourselves, others and society.

Anti-bias learning can inspire people to take action to foster a more inclusive and equitable world. Championing justice involves enlisting others and working together to confront bias and act as change agents. Young people engaging in anti-bias learning often feel motivated to take action to change the world around them. Educators and others can play a powerful role to help facilitate this process of engaging in allyship, advocacy and activism to create a more just and equitable school, community and society.