Stanford R&DE recently edited advertisements using generative AI that changed the races, genders, and physical appearances of students depicted in the material.
This edit involved the swapping of a White male student with a Black student and the beautification of an Asian student, as indicated by images and statements from students at The Stanford Review.
Stanford R&DE (Residential & Dining Enterprises) is Stanford University’s largest auxiliary organization, responsible for managing campus housing, dining halls, cafes, hospitality, and related student life services.
Billy Ramirez stated that he was on his way to Stanford University when a friend sent him two side-by-side photos depicting the differences between an R&DE banner and its original image. Ramirez recognized himself in the original photo and realized that he was edited out and replaced with an AI-generated Black student.
“I was driving to school from my hometown when my friend sent me the images comparing the banner to the original photos, and I was immediately baffled,” Ramirez told The Review.
“At first, I found it hilarious that they had used AI to completely change our appearances, including my race and gender. But after looking at the comparison, I was also upset because I don’t agree with Stanford making those choices about how we were represented. Seeing my identity changed and being left out of the picture made me feel, in a way, silenced and erased from a representation that was supposed to include me.”
Stanford just used AI to race swap a student for their advertisements. pic.twitter.com/xXjixdIyjU
— The Stanford Review (@StanfordReview) September 21, 2026
Whereas Stanford R&DE probably thought that these alterations might go unnoticed, it became clear to students right away what changes had been made to the photographs. This incident is a perfect example of how administrative departments are trying to use generative AI while potentially conflicting with the interests of their students.
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The Review will further investigate any future advertisements or correspondence by Stanford R&DE in order to keep track of how this issue plays out.
