Stanford University Faces Backlash After AI Alters Hispanic Student’s Identity in Advertisement

Stanford University is facing criticism after an AI-altered image featuring students was used in a promotional advertisement. The university confirmed that artificial intelligence was used to modify the original photograph, including changing the identity of one student.

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Hispanic Student Replaced by Black Woman

The controversy involves Stanford’s Residential and Dining Enterprises and a promotional banner displayed on campus. The original photograph was taken during a Lunar New Year event in 2024 and featured three students, including Stanford senior Billy Ramirez.

When the photograph was later used in promotional material, Ramirez had been removed from the image. An AI-generated Black woman appeared in his place. The alteration changed the person’s appearance, gender and racial identity.

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The two other students in the photograph were also digitally altered. Reports said their faces were modified to make them appear thinner, while elements of their clothing were changed or enhanced with Stanford branding.

Student Expresses Disappointment

Ramirez discovered the altered image after a friend sent him a comparison with the original photograph. He initially found the use of AI surprising and somewhat humorous, but said he became upset after examining the changes more closely.

Ramirez said he did not agree with Stanford making decisions about how his identity and appearance should be represented. He also expressed concern about being removed from an image that originally featured him.

Stanford Says Image Violated Its AI Policy

Following the controversy, Stanford confirmed that AI had been used to alter the photograph.

The university said its AI policy strictly prohibits using AI to produce or alter images of Stanford people, events, research, facilities or achievements. Stanford acknowledged that both the alteration and the lack of disclosure violated that policy.

The university subsequently removed the altered banners. Stanford also said it would provide additional training to staff and introduce further review of promotional materials to prevent similar incidents.

The incident has renewed discussion about the use of generative AI in institutional advertising, particularly when AI is used to alter the identity or appearance of real people without disclosure.