On January 21st, Prince William County Public Schools emailed high schooler parents and guardians informing them that students would be required to take a course on AI usage, and students would be given a “PWCS-Managed Microsoft Copilot”. Microsoft Copilot is a type of AI, which students should not have access to for their schoolwork. The county claims this new change has been due to the rising usage of AI in everyday life, but AI does not belong in schools.

It takes away from students who work hard, use their own ideas and creativity, and properly study to be compared to a computer with stolen ideas. It is unfair to teachers who work hard to teach, only to be greeted with a project that was made by AI instead of their student. It is tiring for students who have been falsely accused of using AI in their assignments or students who are actively against AI yet are forced to learn about/use it.

AI has always been looked down upon in schools and is considered cheating. PWCS should not be handing it out to students even if it’s “managed”. Students can easily break through restrictions as proven online. They can instruct the AI to assist them on harmful subjects, cheating on assignments, or even to help them engage in illegal activities. AI has also been proven to steal work from real people, and has negative impacts on the environment. It is irresponsible and careless for PWCS to be handing out AI to students.

By signing this petition, you are making it clear to PWCS that you do not agree with their harmful ideologies. This AI course should not be required or offered, and students should NOT HAVE ACCESS TO AI. Your voice matters!