LGBT Tech Joins CDT Letter on Responsible AI in Education

In early October, LGBT Tech joined several civil society organizations in signing onto a letter from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, urging the Department of Education to incorporate principles for responsible AI use as it advances AI education for American youth. 

This letter comes on the heels of CDT’s recently released research highlighting the increased AI risks and usage faced by students. In their research, CDT found that 85% of teachers and 86% of K-12 students have used AI in the classroom in the past academic year, with around half of those students using it for schoolwork. At the same time, the report found that 50% of students agreed that AI use in classrooms makes them feel less connected with their teachers, while 42% also reported that either themselves or a friend have used AI to get mental health support. For LGBTQ+ students, who already face an increased risk of social isolation and mental health challenges, the risk of AI replacing human connection and trusted adult relationships is particularly concerning. 

These risks faced by both LGBTQ+ students and their peers make adoption of CDT’s proposed “Principles for Responsible AI” increasingly important. These principles urge the Department of Education to adopt educator-led, ethical, and accessible AI policies in the classroom, such as creating avenues for educators to support students in safely navigating and engaging with AI systems. We urge the Department of Education to adopt these principles in their efforts to advance artificial intelligence in the classroom, especially as conducted through the “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth” Executive Order.