Director of Marquette Law School’s Lubar Center to present on unconscious bias, April 12

April 5, 2023

Derek MosleyMILWAUKEE — Derek Mosley, director of Marquette University Law School’s Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education, will present “Unconscious Bias—Knowing What You Don’t Know” in a special gathering, Wednesday, April 12, at 12:15 p.m. at Eckstein Hall.

Unconscious bias is a learned stereotype that is automatic, unintentional, deeply ingrained, universal, and able to influence behavior. It seeps into decisions that affect recruitment, retention, hiring, access to healthcare, banking, housing, education, the justice system, providing services, interpersonal interactions, and outcomes in ways that can disadvantage both individuals and groups of people. Everyone has some form of unconscious bias, and the key is to recognize that we have it and employ techniques to mitigate it.

Mosley will provide an introduction to unconscious bias and help participants to:

  1. Be able to define unconscious bias.
  2. Learn to assess and measure their unconscious bias.
  3. Learn the history of unconscious bias in America.
  4. Learn how, subconsciously, decisions are being made in their minds.
  5. Learn how unconscious bias affects everyday life.
  6. Finally, learn ways to mitigate their bias.

There will also be opportunities for conversation and reflection during the program.

The program is open to members of the public at no cost; registration is required and available online. Members of the media who are interested in attending should contact Kevin Conway, associate director of university communication, at kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.

Mosley became director of Marquette Law School’s Lubar Center in January 2023, after serving for 20 years as judge of the Milwaukee Municipal Court and for seven years as an assistant district attorney for Milwaukee County. Even beyond these positions, since graduating from Marquette Law School in 1995, Mosley has engaged in substantial community outreach and service, including as a frequent speaker, in the region and beyond, about unconscious bias and Black history.

Through public programming such as the Marquette Law School Poll, “On the Issues” conversations with newsmakers, public lectures by leading scholars, conferences on issues of public significance, and the work of its Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education, Marquette Law School seeks to advance civil discourse about law and public policy matters.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.