HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect stands with the students and families who continue to experience the profound harm caused by the creation and distribution of AI-generated sexually explicit images.
The allegations outlined in the federal lawsuit involving Lancaster Country Day School are deeply troubling. They describe young people living with the ongoing trauma of sexual exploitation, the fear that these images may resurface, and the loss of trust in the institution responsible for their safety.
AI-generated abuse is sexual abuse. The images may be fabricated, but the humiliation, fear, disruption, and psychological harm experienced by victims are real.
When a school learns that a student may be experiencing sexual abuse or exploitation, its response must be immediate, transparent, and centered on the safety of the affected child. Schools need clear reporting protocols, trained personnel, and strong partnerships with law enforcement, child protection agencies, and local rape crisis centers. Delayed action allows the harm to continue.
This case also underscores the urgent need for Pennsylvania to close gaps in its mandated-reporting laws. Technology has changed how abuse is created and distributed, but every child deserves the same protection regardless of whether the abusive material was produced with a camera, artificial intelligence, or another emerging technology. Lawmakers must act swiftly to ensure that reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material trigger an immediate and appropriate response.
Legislative action must be accompanied by meaningful investment in survivor services. When children and families seek help, Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers provide counseling, advocacy, legal assistance, prevention education and support throughout the healing process. These centers need sustainable funding to meet the growing, increasingly complex needs arising from technology-facilitated abuse.
PCAR will continue working with lawmakers, schools, rape crisis centers and community partners to strengthen Pennsylvania’s response to AI-generated sexual abuse and protect every child’s right to safety, dignity and support.
The cost of inaction will be paid by survivors.