March 2024

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 13, 2024—Santa Clara University Library will host “The Bias Inside Us” from March 23 to April 21, 2024. The community engagement project from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) raises awareness about the social science and psychology of implicit bias, its impact, and what people can do about it. 

Featuring compelling images, hands-on interactives, and powerful testimonials and videos, “The Bias Inside Us” unpacks and demystifies the concept of bias. Hosted on the first floor of The Harrington Learning Commons, Sobrato Technology Center and Orradre Library, the exhibition features six sections: Introduction, The Science of Bias, Bias in Real Life, Serious Consequences—Bias is All Around Us, #RetrainYourBrain, and Personal Reflection. 

Visitors will explore the foundational blocks of bias, the psychology of how it forms, and how it influences behaviors both consciously and unconsciously. Interactive elements display how implicit and explicit bias shows up in the world and how bias influences systems and policies that affect many people and communities. One interactive experience invites visitors to consider how bias is reflected in product design, advertising, architecture, and technology. Among the videos in the exhibition is a series that features eight voices from diverse perspectives sharing personal experiences with bias. 

The exhibition also features Spanish photographer Angélica Dass’ Humanae project, which reflects on the color of skin that challenges the concept of race. In this work, Dass documents humanity’s true colors through portraits, rather than the labels “white,” “red,” “black” and “yellow.” 

“As a Jesuit institution committed to social justice and promoting the dignity and rights of all people, I’m grateful that we can bring 'The Bias Inside Us' exhibit to our community, “ said Nicole Branch, Dean of the University Library at Santa Clara University. “This powerful showcase challenges perspectives, ignites dialogue, and fosters a culture of critical thinking. Thank you to the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition Service and its financial supporters for making this possible."

“The Bias Inside Us” draws from the scientific research and educational work by psychologists Mahzarin R. Banaji of Harvard University and Anthony G. Greenwald, professor emeritus at the University of Washington. They defined “implicit bias” through their work on unconscious and conscious mental processes. Their book Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People (Delacorte Press, 2013) explores the biases people carry based on their exposure to cultural attitudes in areas such as gender, race, social class, and disability status

Major support for “The Bias Inside Us” is provided by the Otto Bremer Trust. Additional support provided by Acton Family Giving, Anonymous donors, The Beverly Foundation, Steve and Sheri Lear, Target, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation, Thomson Reuters, Alabama Power Foundation, Allianz of America, Valerie E. and William A. Anders, Atlanta Gas Light Foundation, Julie and David Burton, the Dreier Family, Lennart Ehn and Ginger Lew, Expedia, Trevor and Melissa Fetter, the Roger S. Firestone Foundation, Brenda J. Gaines, Myra Hart and Kent Hewitt, Charlie and Nancy Hogan, Judy and Bob Huret, Dr. Christine C. Jenkins and Mr. Pierre A. France, KNOCK, inc., Sarah Lawer and Frank Guanco, Leaders Forum, Kathleen Mason, Elyse Rabinowitz and Jim Porter, Dr. Philip S. and Alice Hoolihan Randall, Gloria del C. Rodriguez, the Family of Leona Roen, and Naoma Tate.

“The Bias Inside Us” is based on an original concept developed by Tolerance in Motion and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

About Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES)

SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 70 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown wherever people live, work, and play.  For exhibition descriptions and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu.

About Santa Clara University Library

Santa Clara University Library provides resources and services to support student learning and faculty teaching, grounded in the Jesuit orientation toward social justice and education of the whole person. The University Library encourages study, research, and connectedness with our modern, comfortable facilities, supportive staff, and engaging events, exhibits, and programs.  For information about Santa Clara University’s exhibition schedule and events, visit https://libguides.scu.edu/TBIU.

About Santa Clara University

Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial region. The University’s stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Ranked among the top 15 percent of national universities by U.S. News & World Report, SCU has among the best four-year graduation rates in the nation and is rated by PayScale in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates. SCU has produced elite levels of Fulbright Scholars as well as four Rhodes Scholars. With undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, and graduate programs in six disciplines, the curriculum blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness grounded in the tradition of Jesuit, Catholic education. 

Media Contact

Lisa Robinson | Communications | lrobinson2@scu.edu | 408-551-3601