The AAMC joined nine other higher education associations in an Oct. 27 response to a White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) request for information on regulatory reform related to artificial intelligence (AI). The associations commended the administration’s commitment to advancing AI innovation and adoption but urged caution to ensure that deregulation efforts maintain safeguards (PDF) essential to higher education. Specifically, the letter emphasized the importance of retaining human oversight in funding and academic decision-making, noting that automation in areas such as grant review and financial aid determinations could undermine fairness and accountability. The groups also called for transparency when AI tools are used in decision processes and raised concerns about potential impacts on accreditation, academic control, and faculty engagement.
The associations also underscored the importance of maintaining strong data privacy protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (P.L. 93-380, PDF) and ensuring that third-party vendors comply with federal standards as AI use expands. The letter expressed appreciation for the OSTP’s engagement and encouraged continued collaboration with the higher education community as AI policies evolve.