The Post Exposes Fake Testimonials from AI Company LINC Targeting NYC Schools
An investigation by The Post revealed that the AI company LINC used fake testimonials from phantom NYC teachers on its website, raising concerns about its credibility and relationship with city officials.
Phantom Teachers, Real Scam: The Shocking Revelation
Imagine trusting a company to provide cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools to enhance education in your child's school, only to find out that it's built on a foundation of lies and deceit. That's exactly what happened when The Post uncovered the truth behind Learning Innovation Catalyst (LINC) and its shady practices.
Jason Green, the co-CEO of LINC and a close friend of schools chancellor David Banks, used fake names like "Emily Johnson," "Tyler Anderson," and "Cameron Williamson" in glowing testimonials on their website. These so-called NYC teachers did not even exist, casting a dark shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of the company and its products.
The Dubious Connections: A Web of Deceit Unraveled
It's alarming to discover that a company entrusted with millions of dollars in city funds for educational purposes would stoop so low as to fabricate testimonials from non-existent teachers. The cozy relationship between Green and Banks, as evidenced by their Martha's Vineyard vacation together, raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest.
With $4.3 million in city funds already in their pockets, LINC has been pushing its AI tool Yourwai into Brooklyn schools, under the guise of revolutionizing lesson planning for educators. However, the use of fake names like "Michael Davis" and "Jessica Rodriguez" in testimonials only serves to undermine their credibility further.
Scrubbing the Lies: Damage Control in Full Swing
When confronted by The Post about the fraudulent testimonials, Yourwai quickly backtracked and removed all references to NYC from their website. Claiming that the aliases were used for "compliance purposes," the company tried to save face by scrubbing away the evidence of their deception.
Despite insisting that the quotes came from real teachers and administrators, Yourwai failed to provide any concrete proof of their authenticity, leaving a cloud of suspicion hanging over their operations. The city's Conflicts of Interest Board prohibits vendors from using NYC titles without written permission, raising concerns about the legality of Yourwai's promotional tactics.
A Faux Launch: Promises of Innovation or Deception?
Janice Ross, superintendent of Brooklyn North high schools, hailed Yourwai as a game-changer at a recent parent council meeting, touting its ability to streamline lesson planning for teachers. However, her close ties with Jason Green and their shared history at LINC suggest a deeper connection that may compromise the integrity of the endorsements.
With critics warning against the use of AI as a crutch in education due to biases and inaccuracies, Yourwai's integration with Black History 365 curriculum raises red flags about the reliability of their content. The declaration by Banks to fight for restored education budgets amidst funding cuts only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of AI in NYC schools.
As parents, educators, and concerned citizens, it's crucial to remain vigilant and hold companies like LINC accountable for their actions. The education of our children should not be undermined by deceitful practices and false promises. Let's demand transparency, integrity, and honesty in all aspects of our children's learning environment.
Hey, I'm Fateh Muhammad, a Lahore local with a passion for arts and politics. My journey led me through the halls of the National College of Arts, where I delved into the intricacies of both disciplines. Now calling Lahore home, I'm here to share my insights and perspectives on the dynamic intersection of art and politics. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! Connect With Me .