NEA president criticizes Trump executive order blocking state AI regulations

NEA President Becky Pringle has issued a statement criticizing former President Donald Trump’s executive order that seeks to block state-level regulation of artificial intelligence. The executive order, signed by Trump, aims to preempt laws passed by individual states regarding the oversight and use of AI technologies.

Pringle expressed concern about the potential impact of the order on education and local governance. "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," Pringle stated.

She argued that the administration’s approach could undermine state and local authority as well as limit community input. "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."

Drawing a parallel with previous regulatory failures around social media platforms, Pringle highlighted risks associated with insufficient oversight. "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."

Pringle emphasized that those directly affected by educational technology should be involved in shaping policy. "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."

She reiterated NEA's ongoing commitment to prioritizing student welfare through responsible technology policy: "NEA’s June 2024 policy statement remains 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."

The National Education Association represents nearly three million members nationwide across various educational roles.