EdLawConnect Blog

Why This Matters Now

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is embedded across higher education, from student research and writing to faculty assessment to administrative operations. As AI adoption accelerates, colleges and universities face pressure to set clear expectations that balance innovation, academic integrity, and institutional risk.

Often, vendor contracts or agreements are treated as a matter of routine – a template to sign and move on.  Local educational agencies (“LEA”) may be unaware of their ability (or need) to negotiate specific terms or the importance of certain clauses.  In the education context, especially when student or employee data is involved, these agreements carry significant legal and operational weight. Taking a thoughtful and strategic approach to these agreements is essential for protecting LEAs and staying compliant with the law.