Microsoft Teams with Leftist Teachers Union to Set AI Policy Standards

Microsoft has partnered with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the second-largest teachers union in the US, to create a 'National AI Safety & Privacy Standard'. The standard aims to establish legally enforceable protections for students, families, and educators. According to Microsoft, this policy will go into effect on November 1 for all school districts with existing contracts.

The AFT has been criticized for its left-leaning bias and lack of engagement with parent associations or parental rights groups. Critics argue that parents were intentionally left out of the equation when drafting the standard. Tina Descovich, CEO of Moms for Liberty, stated, 'After reviewing this agreement, one thing is clear: Parents were intentionally left out of the equation.'

AFT President Randi Weingarten emphasized that the agreement will give schools real control over AI tools in the classroom and provide transparency and information to parents. However, critics argue that the best way to protect kids is to break the one-size-fits-all system controlled by teachers unions and allow school choice.

The U.S. Department of Education expressed skepticism about AFT's motives, citing claims that they advocated for keeping schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Savannah Newhouse, a department spokeswoman, stated, 'While we'd like to believe that AFT's motive is genuine, it's hard to accept that the group who pushed to keep schools closed during COVID is now seeking a role in shaping AI policy out of concern for America's children.'