Session 102: Confronting Racial Bias in AI: A Critical Information Literacy Approach

Time: 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Location: Main campus location to be published here on January 5

Presenters: Derrick Jefferson (Communication Librarian, University Library Faculty), Sarah Trembath (Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Literature), Marnie Twigg (Senior Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Literature), & Jeremy Wade (Professorial Lecturer, CAS | Literature)

Session Description: In this presentation, panelists will explain the ways in which AI technology reifies racial biases in both expected and unexpected ways. We will introduce the core concepts of Critical Information Literacy (CIL) as a potential “antidote” to conversations that sideline discussions of AI and race and recommend resources to help attendees learn more. Attendees will be invited to brainstorm strategies for reframing their current approaches to AI with a CIL approach in mind.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Define the basic tenants of CIL
2. Identify specific features of AI technologies that reify racial biases
3. Understand how CIL might be applied in course materials and discussion specifically to address these “baked in” biases