Ann Arbor school board votes to join nationwide social media litigation targeting student harms
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Summary
The Ann Arbor Board of Education unanimously authorized the superintendent to join coordinated litigation (MDL No. 3,047) against major social media companies, with trustees saying the action seeks to curb companies’ targeting and distraction of students and will be pursued on a contingency basis with no out‑of‑pocket cost to the district.
The Ann Arbor Board of Education voted unanimously on Feb. 9 to authorize the superintendent’s designee to join a coordinated multidistrict litigation against major social media companies, saying the move aims to address alleged harms and targeted commercial behavior affecting students during the school day. The resolution names MDL No. 3,047 as the coordinated proceeding the district may join.
Trustee Michelle Schmidt (Trustee Schmidt) framed the action as a response to pervasive in‑school distractions and mental‑health concerns. “These entities like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram … constantly bombarding children during the school day with notifications that is a huge distraction from their learning,” she said. Several other trustees said the board’s goal was behavioral change, not simply monetary recovery.
Trustee Wilkes (Vice President Wilkes) said the litigation is intended to “make a point about what social media is actually doing to our kids” and to push companies to adjust practices that deliver targeted content and ads to students. Trustee Baskett noted the district would join other Michigan districts and larger systems if it proceeds.
Board members asked about cost. President Feaster explained the firms the district consulted proposed contingency arrangements. “This is not something that will cost the district any money out of pocket,” Feaster said, adding that legal fees would be paid from any recovery rather than from the district’s operating budget.
General counsel confirmed the action, as written, authorizes the superintendent or designee to sign a retainer and participate in MDL No. 3,047 or related coordinated proceedings. Trustees voted by roll call to approve the authorization.
Next steps identified by trustees include executing any required retainer documents, coordinating with lead counsel and preparing district records that may be requested as part of coordinated discovery. The board also discussed how litigation complements, but does not replace, separate policy work on cell‑phone rules and classroom management.