SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — Sand Springs Public Schools is investigating after AI-generated images of administrators engaging in appropriate conduct was distributed to students through email.
The district sent a letter to parents explaining that a Charles Page High School student sent an email on Tuesday evening of the AI-generated deepfake content.
Because school-issued platforms and networks were used during the distribution, all student email accounts in the district have been temporarily disabled.
You can read Sand Springs Public Schools entire letter to parents here:
“We are writing to bring a serious matter to your attention regarding the safety, respect, and digital citizenship of our student body.
Late yesterday evening, your student may have received an email from Charles Page High School students containing AI-generated deepfake content. The AI images depicted school administrators engaging in inappropriate conduct.
While we encourage our students to explore and learn about emerging technologies, the creation and sharing of deepfakes or non-consensual AI-generated imagery crosses a line from technological experimentation into serious behavioral misconduct.
The district is actively investigating these incidents, including the scope of the emails and individuals involved. Any student found responsible for the creation or distribution of these images will face disciplinary action in accordance with district policy. We have also notified the Sand Springs Police Department.
Because school-issued platforms and networks were utilized to share this harmful content, all student email accounts have been temporarily disabled pending investigation.
According to District Policy EFBCA regarding Internet Use, students involved in this incident may lose computer privileges and these actions may result in further disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion from school of the student(s) involved. In addition, violators and their parents/guardians may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties as specified by Oklahoma and/or federal law. The full policy may be viewed here: https://aptg.co/5k-G6c
We ask families to talk with their students about responsible technology use, as well as the potential consequences of creating and distributing harmful AI images.
We will update you once student emails have been reactivated. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
The Sand Springs Police Department told FOX23 that the “inappropriate conduct” refenced in the district’s statement depicts “inappropriate language of a sexual nature” and nothing more.
The photos were clearly AI-generated, police added.
Police said the situation is under investigation and the department will continue to work with the district to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Officers have identified the student who sent the email.
FOX23 will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
