Tom Pappert, lead reporter at The Tennessee Star, said Metro Nashville Public Schools’ (MNPS) newly announced partnership with Colin Kaepernick’s artificial intelligence (AI) company raises serious questions about the district’s priorities and the quality of education being provided to students.
Last week, MNPS confirmed in a press release that it has entered into a district pilot partnership with Lumi AI, a new artificial intelligence company co-founded by Kaepernick.
Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle said the tool is intended to help students use AI “as a tool for creativity and communication,” while supporting the district’s literacy framework and emphasizing student expression.
The district said implementation will occur in phases, beginning with a limited group of students and educators, and that access to Lumi is being funded through private support facilitated by the nonprofit PENCIL.
Speaking during Wednesday’s edition of The Michael Patrick Leahy Show, Pappert explained that Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback best known for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, is now marketing himself as a technology entrepreneur.
“Believe it or not, Colin Kaepernick, the famous kneeler from 2016, he is an AI expert in 2026,” Pappert said.
However, Pappert questioned whether Lumi AI offers anything meaningfully different from existing AI platforms.
“I cannot comprehend how this could be any different from ChatGPT,” he said, explaining that common AI tools already allow users to tailor responses for children and creative writing.
Pappert also expressed skepticism about the educational impact of introducing AI into schools that are already struggling academically. Referring to Antioch High School, where Kaepernick toured and where district photos were concentrated, Pappert noted the school’s low performance.
“Do we really think…this is going to be the tool that makes the difference?” he asked, adding, “They’re having enough problems with basic reading, writing, and arithmetic.”
Pappert went on to express concerns about teacher preparedness and long-term costs when it comes to the new technology.
“Technology like this, whenever you’re introducing novel technology into the classroom, it depends on teachers and students being able to use it,” Pappert said.
He also warned of future financial obligations, stating there could be costs “either through subscriptions… maybe it’s free for a year through this philanthropy group, and then once these kids are depending on AI to think for them, the district will have to pay for it.”
Pappert further criticized the lack of clarity around approval and oversight of the program.
“Where was the approval process for this?” he asked. “Apparently if you get a nonprofit and a washed-up football star, you can get just about any product you want in Metro Nashville Public Schools.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Image “Lumi AI in Schools with founder Colin Kaepernick” by Lumi
