Designing AI to Advance Racial Equity

 

AI-based technologies used by cities and organizations have been shown to exhibit racial bias, and yet, they are being used in ways that may determine who gets access to employment, care, and adequate housing. This research project seeks to understand the racial disparities in AI-based systems and design and implement solutions in the areas of public safety, transportation, and health. Engagement with local government offices, public agencies, and communities is at the center of its effort to better inform those facing the challenge of achieving racially equitable AI.

 

Team Members


Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Project Co-Lead

News


S Craig Watkins
Feb. 21, 2022
How AI Can Help Combat Systemic Racism
S. Craig Watkins looks beyond algorithm bias to an AI future where models more effectively deal with systemic inequality.
Racial Justice
Nov. 1, 2021
Designing AI for Racial Equity: Translating Ethics into Practice
Among the principles for ethical and responsible AI none is more prominent than the “fairness and non-discrimination” principle, that is, the idea that data-based systems like AI/ML should avoid unjust impacts on people, especially those from historically marginalized populations.

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