Norton Introduces Bill To Address Complicit Bias In Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today she plans introduce the Combating Implicit Bias in Education Act during Friday’s pro forma session. This bill would create a $30 million grant program for schools to train teachers, principals and other personnel on implicit bias. Norton says the program would cover both actual and perceived race, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

"Study after study confirms that the effects of implicit bias can be seen in school discipline and academic achievement," Norton said. "My bill would give school districts the right tools to address this bias and help implement corrective feedback. Every student deserves the opportunity and support to succeed in class, and my bill will help correct these harmful biases."

Under this bill, the Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences would evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the training.

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