Reed Hastings, co-founder and chairman of Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX), has pledged $50 million to Bowdoin College to establish a program focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and its ethical implications. Inspired by a conversation with his former mathematics professor, the initiative aims to explore how AI can be critically examined and ethically integrated into society. This marks the largest donation in the school’s history, reinforcing Hastings’ longstanding commitment to education. His philanthropic efforts have previously supported historically Black colleges and innovative educational institutions.
How will the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity operate?
The newly established Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity at Bowdoin College will prioritize research on AI’s influence on ethics, societal norms, and human values. The program plans to recruit ten new faculty members while providing support for existing professors incorporating AI into their work. Additionally, workshops will be organized to facilitate discussions on AI’s applications and associated challenges.
A cross-disciplinary committee will oversee the initiative, including experts from diverse fields such as anthropology, philosophy, economics, natural sciences, and Romance languages. Bowdoin College President Safa Zaki emphasized the program’s significance, stating,
“Our deep commitment to the liberal arts and the common good position us to think together about what we are going to value in human cognition and what we will want our AI systems to do—or not do—going forward in service to humanity.”
Why are universities increasing their focus on AI education?
Interest in AI-related academic programs has grown significantly since OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in 2022. Institutions such as Arizona State University have incorporated AI tools into their curriculum, while the University of Pennsylvania became the first Ivy League school to offer an undergraduate and master’s degree dedicated to AI. AI-related degree conferrals in the U.S. have increased by 120% since 2011, according to a 2023 Georgetown University report.
Compared to previous AI investments in higher education, Hastings’ initiative focuses specifically on ethics and human-centered applications. While other universities have emphasized technical training and workforce preparation, Bowdoin’s program aligns with the college’s liberal arts philosophy by examining broader societal implications. This integrates AI studies with humanities, setting it apart from more technical AI programs.
Beyond Netflix, Hastings has been involved in education reform, serving on the California State Board of Education and supporting organizations such as KIPP and Pahara. His philanthropy includes a $120 million donation in 2020 to Spelman College, Morehouse College, and the United Negro College Fund, as well as a $20 million contribution to Minerva University in 2023. In total, he and his wife, Patty Quillin, donated nearly $1.6 billion in 2024.
Hastings’ contribution to Bowdoin College demonstrates a broader trend of major philanthropic investments in AI education. While many initiatives focus on AI’s technological advancements, his donation highlights concerns about ethical considerations in AI’s development and deployment. As AI continues to evolve, integrating ethical discussions into academic programs may help shape more responsible applications of the technology.
