Do AI Surveillance Tools Violate Student Rights?
Nine current and former students of Lawrence Public Schools (USD 497) have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging that the district’s use of the AI-based monitoring tool Gaggle violates their First and Fourth Amendment rights. They claim the system—purchased in August 2023 for over $160,000—flagged innocuous phrases, intercepted journalism drafts, and blocked mental-health messages, even for student journalists who were supposed to be exempt. The students argue this constituted overly broad surveillance that hindered free expression and access to vital support. They are seeking injunctive relief, damages, and a jury trial.
From the article…
A handful of Lawrence High School journalism students previously argued their files were protected by the Kansas Student Publications Act, legislation that protects student journalists, ensuring editorial independence and shielding them from censorship by school authorities. They argued the Kansas Reporter’s Shield Law, which protects journalists’ confidential notes and sources, prohibited the district from deploying Gaggle and possibly looking through their reporting material. Their arguments have been regularly supported by the Student Press Law Center.
You can read the full article at The Lawrence Times.
This is the first legal action of this kind I have seen and could have wide reaching implications. In the past several years tools like Gaggle, Securly, and GoGuardian have exploded in usage around the concerns of student safety on school issued 1:1 devices. This type of software is used widely across the country.
This lawsuit specifically brings up concerns around student journalism and these tools. It does not go as far to say these tools are a violation of every student’s privacy, but I can see that argument being made.
It is certainly bringing front and center the delicate balance between student privacy and student safety.
Does your school use any kind of surveillance tools like this? AI or human monitored? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Tags: AI, Students, Article, News, Law, Privacy, Gaggle, Securly, GoGuardian, EdTech