LAUSD Blocks Student Access to Generative AI on School Devices

Los Angeles Unified School District has restricted student access to generative artificial intelligence tools on district-issued devices, a policy change that took effect this school year but received little public attention until this week.

The restriction applies across all grade levels and represents a reversal from LAUSD's previous approach, which allowed students 13 and older to use approved generative AI tools after completing digital citizenship training. Teachers retain access to AI for lesson planning and instructional tasks.

How the restriction works

LAUSD uses firewall controls and Lightspeed web-filtering software to block categories of online content, including AI services. According to Interim Chief Information Officer Douglas Le, who addressed the district's Generative AI Ad Hoc Committee on Wednesday, the categorical blocking approach automatically restricts new websites and applications that fall into prohibited categories.

The restrictions extend beyond standalone AI services to include AI features embedded within Google Workspace applications, a district spokesperson confirmed. The filtering can also affect personal devices when students are logged into their district accounts.

Board members express concerns

The policy shift surprised some school board members, who learned of the change at the committee meeting. Board member Kelly Gonez said she believed the district was still operating under last year's policy and called for clearer communication about the new restrictions.

Board member Nick Melvoin raised concerns about both the lack of board approval and potential equity implications. Students with personal computers or phones can continue using generative AI at home, while classmates dependent on district devices cannot.

"It seems like, one, folks aren't aware of the policy with regards to restrictions, and two, if the policy is 'we're not going to allow students to use generative AI for the meantime,' then we should publicize that," Melvoin said.

Why it matters

The restriction highlights a fundamental tension in education policy: how to prepare students for a world where AI is ubiquitous while addressing legitimate concerns about the technology's impact on learning. With LAUSD serving as the nation's second-largest school district, its approach could influence how other districts navigate similar decisions. The equity dimension is particularly significant—students from higher-income families may gain AI fluency through home access while their peers fall behind, potentially widening existing achievement gaps.

Competing perspectives on access

Lila Byock, an LAUSD parent and founder of Schools Beyond Screens, praised the restriction. Her organization had advocated for a temporary moratorium until the district could review research and establish safeguards. Byock argued that schools should teach students how AI is built, how training data is used, and how generated information can mislead users—without requiring hands-on access.

Stephen Aguilar, an associate professor of education at the University of Southern California and author of "Authenticating Intelligence: Preventing AI from Hijacking Education," offered a different view. He cautioned that broad restrictions can create equity gaps and leave students less prepared to evaluate AI-generated material they will encounter in college and careers.

"Ideally that's what schools do," Aguilar said. "It's a safe space for students to try things and fail with the guidance of a teacher."

The district's generative AI committee will develop recommendations for student guardrails and procedures, bringing them to the school board for consideration at the end of the school year. LAUSD did not specify what AI literacy instruction students will receive during the moratorium.

These details were first reported by GovTech.