FAMU Cyber Policy Institute (CyPI)

The FAMU Cyber Policy Institute (CyPI) develops authoritative Position Statements that articulate the Institute’s stance on key issues shaping the future of cyber governance, artificial intelligence, digital ethics, workforce development, and civil discourse. As an HBCU-based policy and innovation center, CyPI draws from a legacy of equity, access, truth-telling, and culturally grounded leadership to address the opportunities and challenges of our digital world.

These white papers reflect our commitment to:

• Ethical and human-centered technology design
• Equitable access to digital opportunity
• Interdisciplinary problem solving
• Security, privacy, and safety in all systems
• Preparing a diverse workforce to lead in cyber and AI sectors

Each Position Statement provides a clear, research-informed stance that guides our programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.

Guiding AI Toward Equity, Innovation, and the Public Good

Artificial Intelligence has become a defining force in education, healthcare, industry, and society. As an HBCU rooted in service, justice, and academic excellence, FAMU affirms that AI must be developed and deployed in ways that amplify human dignity, expand opportunity, and protect civil rights.

CYPI believes AI policy and practice must prioritize:

• Transparency in models, data, and decision-making
• Fairness and equity to prevent bias and discrimination
• Privacy protection and responsible data stewardship
• Safety and accountability in high-stakes environments
• Inclusive design that reflects diverse communities and cultural contexts

FAMU will prepare students to lead in an AI-powered world by integrating AI literacy, ethics, and governance across academic programs and workforce pathways. We commit to shaping innovation not merely adapting to it.

Strengthening Democracy, Campus Safety, and Digital Citizenship

Civil discourse is a cornerstone of healthy communities and institutions. At a time of polarization, digital misinformation, and heightened tensions, FAMU asserts that universities have a responsibility to model ethical communication, foster respectful debate, and build conflict navigation skills.

The Cyber Policy Institute affirms that civil discourse:

• Supports campus safety and early conflict intervention
• Strengthens academic inquiry, shared governance, and trust
• Equips students for leadership in diverse workplaces
• Prepares citizens to engage responsibly in a digital democracy
• Reduces miscommunication, hostility, and social fragmentation

CYPI will provide training, curricula, and workshops including a campus-wide Training-of-Trainers (TOT) program to ensure students, faculty, and staff can communicate across differences and resolve conflict respectfully, online and offline.

Building a Future-Ready, Ethically Grounded Digital Workforce

FAMU’s historic mission is to expand access to high-quality education that prepares students for leadership and professional excellence. In the digital era, workforce readiness requires more than technical skill it demands ethical reasoning, communication strength, problem solving, systems thinking, and adaptability.

CYPI supports workforce advancement through:

• Industry partnerships that provide real-world experience
• Experiential learning pathways and applied policy projects
• Micro-badges and credentials aligned with employer needs
• Interdisciplinary training connecting STEM and non-STEM fields
• Human-centered leadership development

FAMU graduates must not only enter the workforce they must transform it. CYPI prepares them for that responsibility.

HBCUs as Essential Leaders in the National AI Transformation

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have always led in national movements for civil rights, social justice, economic mobility, and technological innovation. In the era of AI, HBCUs must help shape an equitable future.

CYPI affirms that HBCUs play an essential role in:

• Expanding racial and economic equity in the digital economy
• Ensuring AI systems respect civil rights and eliminate bias
• Preparing diverse leaders for AI, cyber policy, and digital governance careers
• Creating culturally aware research that the broader ecosystem overlooks
• Advocating for communities historically excluded from technological decision-making

FAMU will continue its tradition of leadership by ensuring AI advances justice, opportunity, and community empowerment.

Protecting Well-Being in an AI-Driven Society

AI offers powerful new tools for mental health screening, support, and resource delivery but also raises concerns around privacy, misinformation, psychological harm, and over-reliance on automated systems.

The Cyber Policy Institute maintains that AI used in mental health contexts must prioritize:

• Human oversight and clinical ethics
• Cultural competence, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches
• Privacy and confidentiality in sensitive data environments
• Protection against harmful or misleading content
• Accessibility for underserved and marginalized groups
• Transparency so individuals understand how decisions are made

As an HBCU with a legacy of community engagement, FAMU emphasizes that mental health technology must never replace human care, but rather enhance it. AI should support healing, not automate it.