Taylor Simpkins discusses how implicit bias contributes to systemic racism within the U.S. education system, particularly through the school-to-prison pipeline. She highlights how racial disparities in discipline, especially among Black and Hispanic students, are driven by biased perceptions and policies, which mirror broader patterns of over-policing and incarceration. Simpkins calls for educators and communities to reflect on their biases, advocate for equitable resources, and commit to fostering supportive, inclusive learning environments. My name is Taylor Simpkins, and I’m a senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), majoring in biology with a minor in secondary education. I’m originally from Jefferson County. As a speaker for the TEDxUAB event, my goal is to shed light on the lasting effects of implicit bias on K-12 students. A fun fact about me is that I love crafts and critters! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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