A growing group of New York City artists, writers, and performers is urging city leaders to introduce a two-year pause on artificial intelligence in public schools. The appeal, organized by the AI Moratorium Coalition, asks officials to slow the rollout of AI tools in classrooms while broader rules are developed.
Nearly 500 signatories, including Nan Goldin, Molly Crabapple, and Laurie Simmons, say schools should prioritize creativity, privacy, and fair access before adopting more AI-based education products. The coalition argues that young students should learn in environments that strengthen original thinking rather than depend on automated systems.
The campaign arrives as New York City education officials continue to review their approach to AI. A spokesperson for New York City Public Schools said the system has already introduced initial guardrails and is working with families and communities on a policy framework. City Council members have also voiced support for a temporary pause while data privacy and classroom use are examined more closely.
Supporters of the moratorium say the issue is not only technical, but cultural. They believe schools should protect the city's long-standing creative ecosystem and ensure that students build confidence through experimentation, mistakes, and human guidance. The debate also reflects wider questions about how AI should be introduced in learning spaces without weakening trust or student agency.
As schools across the country continue testing digital learning tools, New York's discussion could help shape a more balanced model for education technology in the years ahead.
