The Algorithm Sees Color: Black Students Confront AI Surveillance in Schools

In the distinguished sci-fi classic “Minority Report,” Tom Cruise stars as a law enforcement officer in a futuristic "Precrime" division, intercepting would-be killers through predictive analytics. This compelling tale raises significant questions about privacy and due process, issues that have taken on pressing importance as American schools adopt cutting-edge surveillance technologies. Educational institutions across the country are increasingly utilizing AI-powered solutions, including facial recognition and predictive behavior analysis, under the guise of improving safety. Nevertheless, civil liberties advocates warn that these initiatives disproportionately affect minority and low-income schools, entrenching existing disparities. A report from the Center for Law and Social Policy underscores that such tactics may not improve security, instead feeding into the school-to-prison pipeline. Experts demand immediate reevaluation of school safety strategies.