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NYC Council meetings, chaptered and linked by time.

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Q&A

Hanif questions DOE on biometric recognition technologies

New York City Council · Jun 24, 2026 · starts 1:29:38 · 1 min 26 sec

Councilmember Hanif asks if any biometric recognition technologies are deployed in schools. Strickland confirms no biometric detection tools are used and that such tools are prohibited by law. Hanif then asks how AI tool necessity is evaluated before introduction.

Shahana K. Hanif

Thank you, chairs, and thank you all for joining us.

Shahana K. Hanif

I do want to just at the top share that I'm supportive of AI in our schools and, of course, urge intentionality before our schools and students administer these tools.

Shahana K. Hanif

And I also want to add that I'm one of the signatories of the letter calling for a more

Shahana K. Hanif

I believe that the way in which AI curriculum is built should be guided by students and whatever is put in place should be piloted or observed, followed by an assessment

Shahana K. Hanif

and feedback.

Shahana K. Hanif

A feedback loop so that we're not just saying, we're not just dropping the curriculum, the plan, and then just moving on.

Shahana K. Hanif

We can't avoid AI.

Shahana K. Hanif

We need to be on top of it.

Shahana K. Hanif

Could you share if any biometric recognition technologies are currently being deployed in our schools for educational or security purposes?

Danielle Junta

Thank you for that question.

Danielle Junta

I'm going to let Scott jump in on the different applications.

Danielle Junta

He just has that.

Scott Strickland

Yeah, I'll have Dennis back me up.

Scott Strickland

We do not have any biometric detection tools.

Scott Strickland

Great.

Scott Strickland

And that's prohibited by law.