Dear Team DPS,
We are writing to inform our community about concerning new features that the generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool, ChatGPT, will be launching soon.
One of the new features ChatGPT is adding is a new collaborative chat allowing up to 20 people to chat together in a group. Each participant can send messages and see responses from others. With this feature, there are significant concerns about increased opportunity for cyberbullying, student data exposure, unmonitored interactions, academic misconduct, over-reliance on the tool and much more.
In addition to the collaborative chat, ChatGPT also shared that adult content will be allowed on their site starting in early 2026. This content is not appropriate for students. It is our responsibility to ensure students are only engaging with age-appropriate information and systems. Exposure to adult content can potentially facilitate harmful interactions and/or the creation of content related to self-harm, violence and bullying.
Due to these concerns, the district has decided to block access to ChatGPT on all school-issued devices and on our DPS network. Effective next week (Jan. 12-16), students will no longer be able to access ChatGPT from their DPS device and the DPS network. While AI tools have become more ingrained in our learning, working and personal lives, this decision has been made to prioritize students’ safety and privacy.
The DPS AI Governance committee will meet in late January to discuss blocking ChatGPT for staff members districtwide. More information will be shared at that time.
We encourage the exploration of AI tools by our students and staff, and have alternative tools where they can do that safely. Google Gemini is the district approved AI tool, which follows all of our safety and privacy rules. Students and staff can access it through their DPS accounts.
Over the coming months, the district will develop updated Acceptable Use Policies to address unique risks presented by generative AI, as well as guidelines and training to ensure all educators can identify and respond to AI misuse. We will keep the community informed on our progress.
Sincerely,
Dr. Richard Charles
Chief Information Officer
DPS Department of Technology Services
