Pittsburgh, Pa. − June 2, 2026 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) announced that she will introduce legislation that prohibits schools from replacing educators with artificial intelligence.
“Tech companies are trying to digitize and monetize every aspect of our students’ lives,” said Senator Williams. “But technology and generative AI cannot replace the educators who foster personal growth, encourage critical and creative thinking, cultivate empathy, and respond to the unique needs of our students. Human students need human educators—not machines and algorithms.”
While replacing educators with AI might seem like unlikely science fiction, proposals are already in the works. In 2025, Unbound Academic Institute applied to operate an AI-based cyber charter school in Pennsylvania that replaced educators with “guides” and relied exclusively on artificial intelligence for just two hours of daily instruction. This application was ultimately denied here in Pennsylvania, but Unbound operates these schools in other states.
“Education is a fundamental right, not a business venture,” said Senator Williams. “This legislation will protect our students from becoming mere data points on a corporate profit and loss statement.”
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