Fri Apr 11 15:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Education Secretary Misspeaks on AI in Schools, While Child Pornography Case and Pronoun Controversy Unfold

**Washington, D.C./Albany, NY** – U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sparked confusion at the ASU+GSV Summit this week, mistakenly referring to artificial intelligence (AI) as “A1” while discussing its potential role in education. McMahon, while acknowledging a lack of a definitive technological blueprint, expressed enthusiasm for AI’s potential to personalize learning and cater to students’ varying needs, citing a school system incorporating AI in pre-K and early elementary education. Her comments focused on AI’s potential for one-on-one instruction and accelerated learning for gifted students.

Separately, a disturbing case involving John C. Todaro, vice president of the Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse, has emerged. Todaro has been charged with two felonies: promoting and possessing material depicting sexual performances by a child. New York State Police highlighted the potential conflict of interest, given Todaro’s position and alleged crimes involving child pornography. He was released on his own recognizance and is due in court in May 2025.

Adding to the week’s headlines, Representative Karoline Leavitt announced she will refuse to engage with reporters who include their pronouns in email signatures. Leavitt stated that such inclusion demonstrates a disregard for “biological reality” and compromises journalistic integrity. While the House has not commented on a formal policy regarding this matter, the action follows similar reports of White House press office staff denying information to reporters who listed their pronouns in emails. One reporter, Matt Berg, conducted a test by including his pronouns and was subsequently denied information.

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