Racism Form Definitions Handout

1. Individual Racism

Definition:
Beliefs, attitudes, and actions by individuals that support or perpetuate racism. It includes personal prejudices and discriminatory behaviors toward a person or group based on race.

Example:
A teacher assumes a student of a certain race is less capable and calls on them less often.

Your Example:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
2. ____________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   

2. Institutional Racism

Definition:
Policies and practices within organizations and institutions that produce unequal outcomes for different racial groups, often unintentionally.

Example:
A company’s hiring process relies heavily on employee referrals, disadvantaging underrepresented racial groups with smaller professional networks.

Your Example:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
2. ____________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   

3. Systemic Racism

Definition:
A broad array of practices and social, economic, and political structures that create and maintain racial inequality across society.

Example:
Historically redlined neighborhoods lead to lasting disparities in wealth, education, and health outcomes for communities of color.

Your Example:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
2. ____________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   

Real-World Racism Examples Worksheet

Below are two scenarios illustrating racism in real life. For each scenario:

1. Identify which form of racism is shown (Individual, Institutional, or Systemic).
2. Explain your reasoning using definitions from the Racism Form Definitions Handout.
3. Describe the impact on the individuals and/or communities involved.

Scenario 1

A local bank requires all mortgage applicants to submit extensive proof of income and home‐ownership history. Families from recently redlined neighborhoods—many of whom are Black or Latinx—lack documented generational wealth records and get denied more often than applicants from wealthier areas.

Form of Racism (circle one or write in):
Individual Institutional Systemic

Why is this form illustrated? (Explain using definitions):

Impact on individuals/communities:

Scenario 2

During a job fair at the high school, organizers direct most recruiters to the college‐bound students’ table. Students from a vocational track—who are disproportionately students of color—receive little information about internships or post‐secondary opportunities.

Form of Racism (circle one or write in):
Individual Institutional Systemic

Why is this form illustrated? (Explain using definitions):

Impact on individuals/communities:

Your Own Real-World Example

Think of an incident you’ve witnessed or read about in the news, school, or community. Describe the situation, classify the form of racism, and explain its effects.

Description of example:

Form of Racism (circle one or write in):
Individual Institutional Systemic

Impact on individuals/communities:

Use insights from the Bias Challenge Strategies Poster to think about ways you might intervene or support those affected in each scenario.

Bias Challenge Strategies Poster

Use these strategies to address bias when you see or experience it:

1. Speak Up

• Calmly call attention to biased remarks or actions.
• Use non-confrontational language (e.g., “I’m not sure I understand—can you explain what you meant?”).

2. Educate Yourself

• Seek out books, articles, and podcasts by people from diverse backgrounds.
• Commit to ongoing learning about history and current events related to race.

3. Listen & Validate

• Give your full attention when someone shares their experience of bias.
• Acknowledge their feelings (e.g., “I’m sorry that happened to you; I appreciate you sharing.”).

4. Offer Support

• Ask, “How can I help?” or “Is there anything I can do right now?”
• Stand beside or speak on behalf of the person affected when appropriate.

5. Report & Document

• If bias escalates or breaks school/work policies, record key details (who, what, when, where).
• Share your documentation with a trusted authority (teacher, counselor, manager).

6. Reflect & Act

• Regularly examine your own assumptions and behaviors.
• Challenge stereotypes by seeking out and elevating underrepresented voices.
  
  
  
  Keep this poster visible as a reminder:
• Mount it in your classroom or study area.
• Refer to these steps whenever you encounter or witness bias.