NEA President Becky Pringle on Trump’s executive order blocking the regulation of AI

WASHINGTON - NEA President Becky Pringle today issued the following statement after Donald Trump signed a dangerous executive order attempting to preempt state artificial intelligence laws:

"Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform student learning and the professional experience of educators, but only if it is regulated responsibly, with safety, privacy, and environmental harms in mind.

"Unfortunately, the Trump administration appears to be taking reckless steps to override state and local authority; sideline experts, educators, parents, and community leaders; and consolidate control in the hands of Big Tech. Cruelly, the President's order also threatens to cut off support for broadband access in communities that need it if any state seeks to enact laws ensuring AI's safe and effective use - a move that would deepen inequities in our society.

"It is important that we learn from our experience with social media. We failed to regulate that technology and hold Big Tech responsible, and as a result the U.S. now faces a teen mental health crisis. AI is infinitely more powerful, and decisions about its use must be driven by the well-being and needs of humans - our students, our educators, our families - not corporations.

"Educators, parents, and community members must have a voice in ensuring these tools are equitable, safe, effective, and used appropriately to strengthen teaching and learning for every student, regardless of ZIP code.

"NEA's June 2024 policy statementremains our North Star for ensuring AI serves students and educators, not the other way around. The administration's approach stands in direct conflict with our vision and with principles that center the safety and well-being of humanity."

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, health care workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.