CDT Comments to US Dept. of Education Urging the Protection of Students of Color and Students with Disabilities, And Their Data
The Center for Democracy & Technology submitted these comments to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) as part of ED’s review of schools’ disciplinary practices under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protect students from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or disability. CDT urges ED to protect the civil rights of students of color and students with disabilities to privacy and the ethical, responsible use of their data.
In particular, ED should begin efforts to address the discriminatory effects of some algorithmic systems on students of color and students with disabilities, and provide guidance clarifying and emphasizing that the disparate impact provisions of Title VI, Section 504, and the ADA apply to data sharing with law enforcement.
CDT supports ED’s efforts to protect the rights of students based on their race and disability status. We urge ED to adopt measures to protect student privacy, prevent discrimination, and ensure responsible, ethical data practices as an integral part of those efforts.
Coalition Urges Senate Not to Let Companies Waive Financial Regulations for AI
CDT joined AI Now Institute, American Civil Liberties Union, and several organizations dedicated to tech policy, consumer protection, and civil rights in a letter to Senate leadership and the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee opposing the “AI Innovation Labs” language in Sec. 10509 of the CLARITY Act.
The Privacy Paradox: How Government Data Has Become Less Private and Less Useful
Providing ready access to information collected and maintained by the government promotes accountability, innovation, and research, making transparency a core responsibility of serving as a steward of the public’s data. Public agencies must also safeguard sensitive information when making data publicly available.
Defending State Data: Lessons from California v. USDA
As the federal government increasingly seeks access to state administrative data, policymakers should consider not only legal authority and privacy implications, but also the practical effects on public confidence, program effectiveness, and states’ ability to fulfill their obligations to residents.
CDT and Partners Urge Passage of the California Location Privacy Act of 2025 (AB 322)
Location data is particularly sensitive, and when collected across time it can reveal a broad range of intrusive insights such as medical conditions, sexual orientation, political activities, and religious beliefs.
