Education

North Carolina public schools debate AI and technological approach to safety 

North Carolina school districts are debating AI-based school safety systems that monitor cameras for threats like weapons, smoke or suspicious behavior. Supporters say the technology could improve emergency response, while critics worry about false positives, privacy and increased surveillance. Some districts adopted pilot programs, while others rejected them over ethical and safety concerns.

The Classroom Under Watch: AI Surveillance in Schools and the Ethics Behind It

This investigative podcast looks at how AI-based surveillance tools are being used in schools across the state, drawing on specific local cases. It examines the legal frameworks that govern student monitoring, alongside the ethical concerns around privacy, consent, and the student experience. UNC Professor Sun-ha Hong helps unpack these cases and their potential implications.

Schools are a frontline to youth suicide prevention

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youths in the United States, and the rates continue to escalate. Many youths in crisis are directed to the emergency department but end up waiting for days in the ER for a psychiatric bed. But what if the signs of mental distress in youths can be caught early and avoid an ER visit altogether? Embedding mental health services in schools offers a solution.

When School Ends, Hunger Doesn’t: How Durham Communities Are Filling the Summer Gap

When school ends, thousands of Durham children lose a critical source of daily nutrition. With participation in summer meal programs low and barriers like transportation and awareness limiting access, families are left to fill the gap. Community programs are working to respond, but the break enables greater issues surrounding childhood hunger.

ICE activity sparks fear in North Carolina public schools: What community volunteers say should come next

When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity increased across North Carolina, fear kept some families from leaving their homes and children from attending school. In response, schools implemented safety protocols to protect students, while community members mobilized quickly to organize transportation, food distribution, and protection teams. This story examines both those immediate efforts and what they reveal about gaps in existing systems, highlighting what community leaders say must come next.Through interviews with organizers, school officials, and advocates, it highlights growing calls for clearer statewide policies, stronger communication, and more proactive crisis planning to better protect students and families moving forward.Drawing on interviews with organizers, school officials, and advocates, it highlights calls for clearer statewide policies, stronger communication, and more proactive crisis planning to better protect students and families.