Do Something about Prejudice

How widespread is prejudice in the United States?

• A 2019 Pew Research Center survey found that 76% of Black adults and 58% of Hispanic adults reported experiencing prejudice or discrimination.[1]
• A 2020 study revealed that job applicants with “ethnic-sounding” names were significantly less likely to receive callbacks compared to equally qualified applicants with “White-sounding” names.[2]
• Nearly 70% of LGBTQ+ adults report experiencing prejudice-based slurs, jokes, or microaggressions at some point in their lives.[3]
• Research shows that people with disabilities face disproportionate prejudice, including lower hiring rates and higher instances of social exclusion.[4]

[1] [1] Pew Research Center. (2019). Race in America 2019. Washington, D.C.

[2] Bertrand, M. & Mullainathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg More Employable than Lakisha and Jamal? American Economic Review.

[3] Pew Research Center. (2020). About 6 in 10 LGBT adults in U.S. say they’ve been subject to slurs or jokes. Washington, D.C.

[4] National Council on Disability. (2017). National Disability Policy: A Progress Report. Washington, D.C.

 

What culture changes and public policies are necessary for preventing prejudice?

Preventing prejudice requires sustained cultural change and strong institutional practices.

Culture changes

• Promote accurate representation and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds in schools, workplaces, faith settings, media, and community organizations.
• Encourage intergroup contact—bringing people together across identity lines to share experiences and build empathy.
• Foster environments where individuals feel safe addressing bias and asking questions without shame.

Public policies and institutional practices

• Strengthen anti-discrimination protections in employment, housing, education, and healthcare.
• Enforce equal opportunity laws and ensure accessible reporting systems for incidents of discrimination or bias.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that focus on belonging, fairness, and transparent decision-making.

These cultural and policy strategies help reduce prejudice and build more inclusive communities.

What practical solutions are effective for preventing prejudice?

Practical peaceful solutions that reduce prejudice include:

• Bias awareness education – Helps individuals recognize and reduce their own prejudices.
• Dialogue groups – Bring people from different backgrounds together to share perspectives.
• Intergroup contact programs – Reduce stereotypes through collaboration and shared goals.
• Restorative practices – Address harm caused by prejudice and rebuild trust between individuals and groups.

See our Choose Something Series for information about these solutions.

What can I do to prevent or stop prejudice?

• Examine your own beliefs— Take an implicit bias test and reflect on stereotypes you may hold.
• Learn about others — Read books, listen to podcasts, or attend cultural events that expose you to different perspectives.
• Speak up — Challenge prejudiced comments or jokes when you hear them.
• Build bridges — Form genuine relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Report it — If you experience or witness prejudice in workplaces, schools, or public services, use reporting systems to document it.
• In Case of Emergency — If prejudice leads to violence or a threatening situation, call 91or seek a safe place where others can help.

Where can I find statistics about prejudice?

• • Pew Research Center
  • U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
  • National Council on Disability

Where else might I go to learn more about prejudice?

Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research centers with expertise in prejudice and discrimination include:

• Anti-Defamation League (ADL) — fights antisemitism and all forms of hate.
• Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) — monitors hate and bias in the U.S.
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — advocates for LGBTQ+ equality.
• National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) — protects civil rights of people with disabilities.

Author: Hailey Miller