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Gould Faculty Members Explore Implicit Bias

This fall, the foundation was set to begin training the Gould community about various concepts under the DEI umbrella. This week, scheduled training and structured conversations began. All faculty members participated in a thirty minute session about implicit bias on Monday. Instructions were to watch a training video, do guided self-reflection, and then discuss in both small and large groups. The goal was to provide a context within which people could operate, and encourage and demonstrate what DEI looks like from an everyday perspective.  
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are important concepts we align with at Gould Academy. Sometimes abbreviated as DEI or DEIB, we enter into this work with a sense of purpose and intent, and the understanding that this will be an ongoing pursuit. 

Head of School, Tao Smith, says “DEI is not a goal to be achieved, but a state of being and a lifelong commitment. We commit to this work on behalf of those who have felt voiceless, powerless, or forgotten. We commit to this work for the betterment of all individuals here at Gould, for our alumni, and for future generations of Gould students. And, we commit to this work out of love, for only through this embrace may we approach understanding and appreciation for each other.”
 
This fall, the foundation was set to begin training the Gould community about various concepts under the DEI umbrella. This week, scheduled training and structured conversations began. All faculty members participated in a thirty minute session about implicit bias on Monday. Instructions were to watch a training video, do guided self-reflection, and then discuss in both small and large groups. The goal was to provide a context within which people could operate, and encourage and demonstrate what DEI looks like from an everyday perspective.  
 
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Stephanie Montgomery states “We must practice how we, as an institution and as a community, center diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging here and now. This will allow us to expand our knowledge so that we can lean into our awareness and courage." 
 
In order to continue the conversations started this week, Ms. Montgomery will meet with academic departments as well as operational departments to show how to create the safe spaces necessary for people to begin ongoing dialogues. Learning how to be intentional about giving attention to concepts such as implicit bias in each department meeting is a vital next step for growth and progress. 
 
Coming up, Ms. Montgomery will facilitate ongoing professional development, reconvene the DEI Task Force, and continue contributing her expertise in various committee meetings that focus on process, mission, vision, and strategy. Stay tuned for opportunities to connect with Ms. Montgomery and to be a part of the impact being made at Gould. 
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