A high school athletic director in Baltimore was arrested for using artificial intelligence software to create a racist and antisemitic audio clip impersonating the school’s principal, Eric Eiswert. The fake recording, which circulated on Instagram, prompted threats against Eiswert and his placement on administrative leave. Dazhon Darien faces charges including disrupting school operations and stalking. The abuse of A.I. in schools has been on the rise, with incidents like deepfake videos targeting students and now educators and district leaders.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski raised concerns about the harmful potential of deepfake technology in schools, stating that leaders must take a closer look at how this technology can be used and abused. The rapid spread of pernicious deepfake disinformation can cause significant harm to educators, students, and families. In December, Mr. Darien authorized a payment to his roommate under false pretenses, leading to an investigation by the principal. Shortly after, he used A.I. tools to create a fake audio clip impersonating Mr. Eiswert, which quickly spread through various channels, sparking outrage and calls for his dismissal.
The fabricated recording caused deep divisions among families, teachers, and administrators at Pikesville High, leading to increased police presence at the school. Mr. Eiswert received threatening messages and calls, prompting further safety monitoring from law enforcement. William Burke, the executive director for a group representing the principal, urged for a fair investigation and cautioned against rushing to judgment based on social media and news media reports. Two experts analyzed the recording and concluded that it had been manipulated, containing traces of A.I.-generated content with human editing.
Mr. Darien’s actions highlight the potential dangers of deepfake technology in educational settings, with the ability to cause significant disruption, harm, and division within school communities. The case in Baltimore County is just one example of the escalating trend of A.I. abuse in schools, including deepfake incidents targeting both students and educators. The widespread availability and use of generative A.I. tools pose new challenges for school officials and policymakers to prevent the misuse and abuse of this technology to harm others.
The incident involving Mr. Darien underscores the need for increased awareness, vigilance, and safeguards to protect against the spread and impact of deepfake content in school environments. As technology continues to advance and evolve, school districts must stay informed and proactive in addressing emerging risks and threats related to deepfake technology. The Baltimore County case serves as a cautionary tale of the potential consequences of A.I. abuse in educational settings and the importance of taking steps to mitigate these risks moving forward.
