John,

As AI infiltrates more and more aspects of society, its presence in the classroom is also increasing. That puts students, teachers, and administrators on the front lines of how artificial intelligence is being used in public education ― and they need clear guidelines to operate within.

This past summer, 98 students representing all 50 states gathered at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston to debate and develop a national AI policy for schools. Their final proposal, the Students First Act, passed by an overwhelming 82-16 vote.¹ Now Congress should listen to what they came up with and turn key protections into federal law.

For example, AI should not replace teachers’ judgement in grades, discipline, or other major decisions affecting students. Students’ personal information must be protected at all times. And administrators must establish transparent rules for AI use.

As AI changes classrooms across the country, it’s up to Congress to develop strong national safeguards for AI use in our schools. Tell Congress to pass federal legislation, based on the Students First Act, and create a national AI education policy that protects students and teachers alike.

Educators and students alike need training to recognize misinformation, bias, privacy risks, and other problems that can come with AI tools.

Teachers should have clear AI policies.

Schools should provide AI literacy education.

And administrators should establish transparent AI rules.

Our schools belong to students, educators, and families―not untested technologies being rolled out by Big Tech.

Tell Congress to establish strong national guidelines on the use of AI in our schools based on the Students First Act, which was drafted by students and provides schools with clear rules governing how teachers and administrators use AI.

We’ve seen so many attacks on education along with funding for our communities,² and students along with others are fighting back. Together, we’re demanding public education led by educators and communities, not Big Tech.

Thank you for taking action today,

Meredith Dodson
Senior Public Policy Director, CHN Action

¹ The Students First Act: A Student-Led AI Policy | AASA
² Stopping Attacks on Human Needs Funding and Local Communities