Why AI in the Classroom Should Concern Every Parent

Posted by Team Emily Jones

When Emily Jones published her recent op-ed in The Daily Wire—We Need Parental Consent for AI in the Classroom—it struck a chord with parents across Alabama. In the article, Emily lays out a growing concern: artificial intelligence is being introduced into classrooms across the country, often without parents even knowing it’s there.

As a mother, former Department of Defense financial manager, and advocate for transparency in education, Emily knows firsthand how important it is to ask tough questions—especially when it comes to the safety and privacy of our children.

“Our children are not experiments,” she writes. “And AI, while potentially helpful in some educational settings, should never operate behind closed doors.”

So, what’s actually happening?

AI tools are already being used to analyze students’ facial expressions, measure engagement levels, and even detect so-called “problematic behavior” in real time. These systems are powered by algorithms—algorithms that are not always accurate, not always unbiased, and certainly not always transparent. Many parents are shocked to learn that these tools can collect behavioral and emotional data on their children without their explicit permission.

That’s exactly the problem Emily is fighting to fix.

In her op-ed, she calls for mandatory parental consent before any AI tools are used to evaluate or track students. That means clear communication, informed decisions, and the right to opt out.

Her stance isn’t anti-technology. It’s pro-parent and pro-transparency. As she puts it:

“We can embrace innovation—but not at the expense of trust or our children’s well-being.”

Emily’s campaign for the Alabama State Board of Education is built on common-sense leadership—where families are respected, students are prioritized, and parents are never sidelined.

If you agree that parents deserve a seat at the table—especially when it comes to emerging technologies in the classroom—join us. Share Emily’s article, follow her on social media, and help us spread the word.