Institutional bias refers to the systematic favoritism or discrimination that occurs within organizations or institutions, often affecting policies, practices, and decision-making processes. This bias can manifest in various forms, such as racial, gender, or socioeconomic discrimination, leading to unequal treatment of individuals or groups. It often arises from longstanding traditions, cultural norms, or unexamined assumptions within the institution. Such biases can have significant consequences, impacting areas like hiring practices, law enforcement, and education. For example, in the context of criminal justice, institutional bias may result in disproportionate targeting of certain communities, while in education, it can lead to unequal access to resources for students from different backgrounds.