Stanford University removed an AI-generated image depicting an all-white, all-male marching band from its Campus Center construction website following complaints from student musicians, Yahoo reported.
Members of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band told The Stanford Daily they were shocked to find the image, which showed figures in red blazers, white shirts and fedoras performing on White Plaza. Drum major Jose Serrano called the decision to publish it “pretty stupid,” according to Yahoo.
Band conductor and executive officer Sadie Taylor said the depiction was frustrating given the ensemble’s efforts to recruit women and students of color. Band leaders formally complained to the Campus Center team, noting that authentic photographs of the band were already available for use, Yahoo reported.
The university replaced the image with another architectural rendering shortly afterward. Assistant Vice President of Communications Angie Davis said the figures were illustrative and not intended to represent marching band members, adding that AI-assisted imagery is standard practice for architectural visualization, according to Yahoo.
Band members said the figures’ clothing closely resembled their distinctive uniforms, and some claimed the generated figures looked like actual members. Stanford’s AI guidelines prohibit generating content that depicts or closely resembles a real person, Yahoo reported.
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