Upstander Cafés increase comfort in dealing with bias, surveys show

Being an upstander, or someone who says something when there has been an incident of bias, is not always easy. The Penn State Health Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Upstander Café program offers monthly, one-hour sessions for participants to talk about unconscious bias − an automatic prejudice someone is unaware of − and microaggressions − verbal, behavioral or environmental insults, both intentional and unintentional.

A survey of attendees of at least one Upstander Café over the past year showed that, after participating in the session, 57% of respondents felt “somewhat comfortable” in being an upstander if they saw an incident of unconscious bias or a microaggression.

The sessions not only stress the importance of upstanding, but also offer real-life examples of microaggressions and show how to speak up in a positive and effective way. After joining in these discussions, 65% of survey respondents feel they are equipped to intervene constructively and address others if they observe a microaggression.

More Upstander Café sessions to choose from

 To accommodate a variety of schedules, virtual sessions are offered at two different times:

• 7−8 a.m.
• Noon−1 p.m.
• Register

Unconscious bias and microaggressions pocket card

Quick-reference cards that define unconscious bias and microaggressions and offer insight into what to do if employees see these in the workplace can be ordered from the Print Shop.

To keep up to date on all diversity and inclusion initiatives, sign up for the monthly diversity e-newsletter.

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