California school board candidate criticised over AI campaign image of opponent
A California school board campaign has drawn criticism after a teachers’ union accused candidate David Ray Miyashiro of using AI-generated imagery to demean his opponent, Amy Flicker. The dispute has raised concerns about how AI is used in election advertising, particularly when it may reinforce sexist stereotypes.
A flyer circulated on 11 October reportedly showed Flicker beside baked goods, labelled “Non-Profit volunteer”, while Miyashiro appeared at a microphone as “District superintendent”, followed by the claim that the choice was obvious. Flicker, a former planning and environmental commissioner, said the image reduced her public service to a condescending stereotype; Miyashiro, superintendent of Cajon Valley School District, is also running for a trustee seat in the San Dieguito Union High School District election on 3 November. The union, which represents more than 600 district educators and staff, has endorsed Flicker; the article says Miyashiro has not publicly set out his position on AI use.
- A teachers’ union alleges an AI campaign flyer stereotyped candidate Amy Flicker.
- The flyer contrasted her with superintendent and rival David Ray Miyashiro.
- The dispute centres on AI use in local election advertising.
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School boards oversee local education, including budgets, school policies and district leadership. In California, voters elect some board members as trustees, and candidates may have backgrounds in education or other public service.
Amy Flicker, a former planning and environmental commissioner, and David Ray Miyashiro, a school district superintendent, are both standing for a trustee seat in the San Dieguito Union High School District. A teachers’ union representing district educators and staff has endorsed Flicker.
Campaign images can shape how voters see candidates, and AI tools make it easier to create or alter them. This dispute has drawn attention to whether such images can unfairly belittle candidates or rely on sexist stereotypes.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “School board race rocked over sexist AI ad showing female candidate surrounded by cakes at bake sale”.