Illinois moves to block AI from replacing teachers at community colleges

Illinois is moving to restrict AI from replacing human teachers at community colleges with a state Senate bill that would ban the use of artificial intelligence as the sole source of instruction. The legislation, which passed with a 46-12 vote, comes amid growing tensions about AI’s role in education – from concerns about student cheating to controversies over professors using AI tools to generate course materials. This legislative push reflects the broader challenge educational institutions face in balancing technological innovation with maintaining educational quality and preserving the human element in teaching.

The big picture: Illinois Senate lawmakers have approved a bill requiring community colleges to use qualified human instructors rather than AI systems to teach courses.

• The legislation passed with a 46-12 vote and specifically amends the Public Community College Act to ensure faculty members meet qualifications established in the Illinois Administrative Code.
• While the bill prohibits AI from being used as “the sole source of instruction,” it still allows faculty to use artificial intelligence to “augment course instruction.”

Why this matters: The legislation addresses growing concerns about AI’s expanding role in education amid controversies over its appropriate use.

• A Northeastern University student recently demanded a tuition refund after discovering her professor used ChatGPT to produce lecture notes, highlighting tensions around AI in teaching.
• The bill attempts to balance technological integration with preserving the essential human component of education, particularly as AI tools like ChatGPT have already prompted many schools to establish policies around their use.

What they’re saying: The bill has created a partisan divide with Republicans expressing concerns about restricting local control.

• “I’m concerned that this bill will take local control away from the community college to be able to make decisions that are in the best interest of their students,” argued Republican State Senator Sue Rezin.
• Democrat State Senator Mike Porfirio defended the measure, stating: “I think if anything we’re guaranteeing that our students receive proper instruction and also that we acknowledge the role that instructors, faculty, staff play in students’ lives.”

Where we go from here: The legislation must clear several more hurdles before becoming law in Illinois.

• The bill now returns to the Illinois House, which must approve an amendment made in the state Senate.
• If approved, it will then head to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law.