New York City Bans Artificial Intelligence From Pre-K Through Middle School

New York City Public Schools will implement a one-year generative artificial intelligence moratorium covering students from kindergarten through the eighth grade for the 2026-2027 school year. Announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, the new policy bans student-facing AI tools and chatbots in classrooms, while high schools are exempt.

Creativity and Scope

New York City Public Schools has introduced a comprehensive ban on generative artificial intelligence technologies for students from kindergarten through the eighth grade. Taking effect in the 2026-2027 academic year, this decision directly impacts hundreds of thousands of students in the nation's largest school district.

Announcement and Officials

The policy was publicly announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels during a press conference held at the Brooklyn STEAM Center. Officials stated that this step is one of the most comprehensive implementations of its kind.

Exceptions and Regulations

Under the new regulations, assistive technologies for students with disabilities and English language learners, computer-based assessments, e-books, coding assignments, and robotics activities are exempt from the ban.

High School Students Exempt

High school students are excluded from the artificial intelligence ban. The district will offer artificial intelligence literacy courses twice a year for high school students and pilot certain educational tools under supervised teacher conditions.

Rules for Teachers

Teachers are banned from using artificial intelligence for tasks such as grading, crisis management, behavior monitoring, counseling, and graduation or promotion decisions. However, pre-approved tools may be used for matters like lesson planning and communication.