The Baltimore County branch of the NAACP told the Board of Education that an AI-based alert at Kenwood High School mistakenly identified a chip bag as a potential weapon and that the incident has prompted review of school and law-enforcement procedures.

Marietta English, chair of the ACT-SO and education committee for the NAACPs Baltimore County branch, said the NAACP contacted BCPS and was "assured of the following: The item in question was determined not to be a weapon and the alert was canceled three times." English said the NAACP and county officials are coordinating reviews and that the organization remains committed to ensuring students are treated with safety, dignity and respect.

Public reaction at the meeting included contrasting viewpoints. Commenter Bas Frone criticized what he described as political pressure and argued the incident showed the need for police intervention when an alert is triggered. Other speakers urged calm and emphasized that procedures are under review.

Why it matters: The episode raises questions about the role of automated alerts in school safety, how schools apply human review to AI alerts, and how communications with families and communities are handled when alerts escalate.

What the board heard and next steps: The NAACP said it has been in contact with the school system and that procedures are under review; BCPS staff and law enforcement are looking at processes and will report back as appropriate. No board vote or formal policy change occurred at the meeting.

Quotes: "All these things can be true at the same time," Marietta English said, urging both safety and respect for students.

Ending: The public comments were recorded; school officials said they would continue to review procedures with law enforcement and staff to reduce the chance of similar escalations.