Notes from the Safe Space Discussion: Anti-Racist Pedagogy in AI-Informed Education

ARLT SIG, 11 September 2025

This session was jointly facilitated by ARLT SIG and Association for Learning Development in Higher Education (ALDinHE) EDI Working Group. It was the first event of its kind for both organisations, working with colleagues in similar third spaces in education who share a commitment to fostering equitable, diverse, and inclusive learning experiences for all.  The online session was designed to foster a safe and inclusive environment for open dialogue, free of bias and judgement and emphasising respectful, non-judgmental dialogue. We had colleagues joining from all over the world, which was very exciting and helped to provide a global perspective on AI governance, guidance, and inclusion in different education systems.

The objectives for the session included:

• Sharing Experiences: Offering a platform for individuals to discuss their antiracism and allyship work, including challenges and successes.
• Evidence Building: Collecting anonymous input to inform institutional and sector-wide policy-making, potentially contributing to parliamentary evidence bases.
• Strategic Development: Shaping future initiatives of the Antiracism in Learning Technology Special Interest Group (ALT) and the EDI Working Group (ALDinHE)
• Good Practice Repository: Curating case examples of effective interventions and activities, where contributors are willing to share.

We began with a short readings from Ruha Benjamin’s Race After Technology (2019) and a statement from Bender, et al.’s (2021) paper On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots: Can Language Models Be Too Big? to set the tone of the session. It was noted the rapid developments in the field result in outdated information quickly, further highlighting the need for educators to stay informed. In sharing our collective thoughts, frustrations, aspirations, and examples of good practice, the two-hour session has motivated us to schedule more similar events.

ARLT SIG attendees have reflected on the experience:

Participating in this session was both energising and grounding. It provided a rare and valuable space to engage deeply with the complexities of antiracism and allyship within the context of learning technology. I especially appreciated hearing from colleagues across different settings and countries, as they shared their concerns, reflections and hopes. These insights helped me better understand the evolving landscape of AI, the challenges it presents, and the systemic issues that continue to persist. It was reassuring to realise that these concerns are not isolated, we are part of a wider, shared effort both nationally and internationally. This collective awareness reinforces the urgency of our work and the need for continued collaboration.

Finally, it became clear that while guidelines and resources are helpful, they are not enough on their own. Institutional policies and strong leadership are essential to ensure that educational institutions actively work to mitigate the unintended consequences of AI adoption, particularly those that risk reinforcing biases and widening degree awarding gaps for Black individuals and People of Colour.

We look forward to continuing the discussions with our colleagues from across the world to promote equitable and transparent AI practices!