Norton Introduces Bill to Address Implicit Bias in Schools

Statement

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today she has introduced the Combating Implicit Bias in Education Act, which 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. "As Republican-led states try to stop the teaching of the role of race in American history -- in their words, Critical Race Theory -- this bill is more important than ever. It would give school districts the right tools to address this bias. Every student deserves the opportunity and support to succeed in school, and my bill will help address these harmful biases."

Under the bill, the Institute of Education Sciences at the Department of Education would be tasked with evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of the training.

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