Chicago school board hopefuls signed a pledge on September 2, 2026 to bar the use of artificial‑intelligence applications in Chicago Public Schools classrooms. The commitment, endorsed by the advocacy group Illinois Families for Public Schools, calls for a complete prohibition of AI tools for instructional purposes across the district.
The pledge was presented as a response to mounting concerns over student privacy and the expanding role of technology in education. Proponents argue that limiting AI in the classroom will protect personal data and reduce the risk of unintended surveillance or data collection involving minors.
Illinois Families for Public Schools, which helped organize the pledge, also urged the district to adopt broader limits on screen time for students. The group highlighted the need for clearer guidelines on digital device usage and called for the appointment of a new chief privacy officer to oversee data protection measures within Chicago Public Schools.
District officials have not yet detailed how the pledge will be implemented, but they indicated that any policy changes will be coordinated with the school board and relevant stakeholders. The move comes amid a national conversation about the role of AI in education, with several districts across the country evaluating similar restrictions to balance innovation with student safety.
The signed pledge adds pressure on the upcoming school board to address technology policy and privacy concerns before the new term begins, setting a clear agenda for candidates who seek to shape the future of Chicago’s public schools.