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Advice

Sample Letter to State DOE on AI Issues

Using this sample as a template, draft a letter to your state department of education requesting the appointment of a chief privacy officer to protect student and educator data privacy.
Published: June 23, 2025

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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient's Name]
[Title]
[State Department of Education]
[Department Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Request for the Appointment of a Chief Privacy Officer to Protect Student and Educator Data Privacy

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to formally request that the [State Department of Education] appoint a Chief Privacy Officer who is authorized and adequately resourced to oversee and protect student and educator data privacy across our state’s Pre-K–12 schools and institutes of higher education. As artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools become increasingly embedded in our classrooms, ensuring the security and ethical use of sensitive data is imperative.

Educational technology platforms collect vast amounts of personally identifiable information from students and educators, raising concerns about data security, third-party access, and potential misuse. Without strong leadership and oversight, these risks could undermine trust in digital learning environments and expose our schools to data breaches and noncompliance with federal and state privacy regulations, such as FERPA and COPPA.

A dedicated Chief Privacy Officer would play a critical role in:

  • Establishing and enforcing statewide data privacy policies for all education institutions;
  • Ensuring compliance with state and federal privacy laws;
  • Providing guidance and training to educators, administrators, and policymakers on data security best practices;
  • Investigating and responding to data breaches or privacy concerns in a timely manner; and
  • Collaborating with stakeholders to develop responsible AI policies and ethical data practices.

By appointing a Chief Privacy Officer, [State] would demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting student and educator data while fostering a safe and responsible digital learning environment. I urge you to take action on this matter and prioritize data privacy within our schools.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this issue further and support any initiatives that ensure stronger data protections for our schools. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Role/Title]
[School/District Name]
[Contact Information]

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