Los Angeles Unified School District officials announced Tuesday that all generative artificial intelligence tools are now blocked on district-issued laptops and tablets for students, according to LAist.
The policy shift affects roughly 378,000 students and was disclosed at the opening session of a new committee formed to examine AI in education. It ends earlier allowances that let students 13 and older access such tools under supervision after completing a digital citizenship lesson.
Board members and parents expressed surprise at the sudden announcement. Board Member Nick Melvoin remarked on the visible reactions in the room and urged greater outreach to inform the community.
District staff explained that Lightspeed web-filtering software now automatically restricts any site labeled as an AI tool. The block does not apply to personal devices unless a student logs in using a district profile.
Last June the board approved broad screen-time limits across the district and created the ad hoc generative AI committee to prepare formal recommendations for approval within a year.
The committee is set to hold meetings through April. Chief Academic Officer Pia Sadaqatmal stated, "This is an emerging technology. We will continue to be adaptive as needed, but we do know that the heart of it is really making sure that we keep teaching and learning at the center of our decision."
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/education/lausd-students-barred-artificial-intelligence-tools