Khan Academy Founder Questions School AI Bans in NYC, LA

School districts adopt restrictive AI policies

New York City has imposed a one-year ban on generative AI for elementary and middle school students, while the Los Angeles public school system has barred students from using AI on district-owned devices. These moves represent some of the most significant policy responses yet to the rapid adoption of AI tools in education.

Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such bans during an appearance on CNBC's Squawk Box. According to Khan, these restrictions may not necessarily solve the underlying problems that educators and administrators are trying to address.

Why it matters

The debate over AI in classrooms has moved from theoretical to practical as school districts make binding policy decisions affecting millions of students. How educators balance the potential benefits of AI tutoring and personalized learning against concerns about academic integrity and developmental appropriateness will shape a generation's relationship with these technologies. Outright bans may also widen educational equity gaps if students in less-restrictive districts gain familiarity with tools that are becoming standard in many workplaces.

Questions about responsible implementation

Khan's comments focused on whether AI technology can be used responsibly in educational settings rather than banned outright. The discussion touched on the practical challenges of implementing AI tools in classrooms while maintaining educational standards and ensuring appropriate use.

The timing of these district-level bans comes as generative AI tools have become increasingly accessible to students of all ages. Schools face pressure to respond quickly to technology that many students already use outside the classroom, creating tension between innovation and caution.

Different approaches across major districts

The specific restrictions vary between the two major school systems. New York City's policy targets elementary and middle school students specifically and includes a defined one-year timeframe, suggesting a temporary measure while the district develops longer-term policies. Los Angeles has focused its ban on district-owned devices, which may leave open questions about student use of personal devices or AI tools accessed outside school networks.

These policy differences reflect the lack of consensus among educators and administrators about how to handle generative AI in K-12 settings. Some districts are experimenting with controlled AI integration, while others are taking more cautious approaches.

The details were first reported by CNBC during Khan's interview on the network's morning programming.