NAPD - Online course: Anti-fat bias & mitigation

Time: January 21-February 18, 2026

Location: Online course

This five-week course is crafted for anyone working with multiply marginalized clients. This course provides real world application of intersectional theory. Learn about the historical roots and modern-day impact of anti-fat bias (AKA fatphobia), and how to use that information to improve client relationships and craft impactful mitigation.

Price: $300 for NAPD members and $400 for non-members. You will continue to have access to the entire course for three months after the completion of the small group sessions. If the course does not meet the minimum required registrants, it may be cancelled or postponed.

What to expect: On demand learning! Each week, you’ll gain access to articles, videos, and educational materials through our learning platform. Review them at your own pace to inspire and challenge yourself between live classes.

Facilitated small group workshops: Attend a 70-minute zoom-based workshop each week led by experienced Mitigation Specialist, Savannah Weinstock. Through structured presentations, collaborative group discussions, and exploration of contemporary issues faced by the fat community today, you’ll dive into this exciting topic in a safe space.

Topics covered

• Explore and define anti-fat bias, taking into account its historical roots and modern-day impact

• Highlight the harm encountered by fat folks at the intersection of anti-fat bias and other marginalizations

• Analyze how public defense clients may be particularly at risk of anti-fat bias

• Learn how to incorporate the topic of anti-fat bias into defense mitigation

• Learn and feel confident using accurate, client-centered language surrounding this topic while speaking to and about fat clients

Who should attend: This course is for anyone in public defense who wants to incorporate intersectionality into their practice, whether that means written mitigation reports, oral arguments at sentencing, or within client relationships. You will come away from this course with extensive knowledge of academic/scientific research and how to use it, the ability to interact more effectively with fat clients, and insight into the fat experience.

Additional information and online registration.