Sign our petition today calling for a moratorium on AI use in NYC schools!

Dec. 22, 2025

The DOE is rapidly expanding the use of AI in our schools, despite the glaring lack of guidelines or guardrails, and despite the growing evidence that AI use may undermine student privacy, cognitive skills, critical thinking, creativity and the health of the local and global environment.

I was quoted in this Chalkbeat article that Mamdani should hit a “pause” on the use of AI in schools, and hold town hall meetings to hear from parents, teachers, and students about the use of this risky technology.

If you agree, please sign onto this petition to Mayor-elect Mamdani, calling for a two-year moratorium on AI use in NYC public schools, so that his administration can hear the concerns of community members and develop rigorous guidelines before AI wreaks further havoc on our children.

I have now posted the video of the Dec. 6 AI forum at which experts from different fields discussed these risks. The post also includes links to the relevant research.

Although thankfully, the Panel for Educational Policy was persuaded last week to reject contracts with four AI vendors, many AI data-mining programs are already being widely used in our schools, without sufficient oversight and scrutiny. Moreover, we have heard that Chancellor Ramos plans to release an “AI Playbook” before the end of the year, to encourage the further expansion of AI. Please sign our petition now!

It is also that time of year for supporting organizations whose work you support. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to Class Size Matters if you value our advocacy for smaller classes, student privacy, cutting down on wasteful DOE spending, and hitting a “pause” on AI, to ensure that human interaction remains the center of the learning experience for NYC students. If you prefer to send a check, our address is below.

And please share this message with others who care about our children and their schools.

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones, Leonie

Leonie Haimson
Executive Director
Class Size Matters
124 Waverly Pl.
New York, NY 10011
phone: 917-435-9329
leonie@classsizematters.org
http://www.classsizematters.org/

Follow on twitter @leoniehaimson