Society for Creative Anachronism

We are asking for feedback on the addition of a “Policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Plagiarism” to the Corporate Policies of SCA, Inc.

Background:

There has been commentary and concerns sent to the Society regarding the use of AI in the SCA. In consultation with several of the Society Officers, a plan was formed to address these concerns. A policy was drafted and then sent out to the Kingdom officers to get their feedback in crafting an overarching corporate policy on AI. This is now presented to the membership for additional feedback to craft a policy that works for the SCA.

Purpose:

With the rise of generative AI use, and concerns about theft and use without consent, the Society is creating a policy to give guidelines on usage and to address current concerns.

Design:

The Policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Plagiarism is designed to give guidelines on the use of AI. It gives officers the means to address issues arising from the use of AI. The SCA is a volunteer organization, and it is not viable to have officers track down every instance of AI use that is in violation of this policy. If there are concerns about the use of AI, it can be reported to the appropriate Society Officer for review. This takes some of the burden off the volunteer and allows for a focused response to AI issues as they come up, which was one of the concerns by the officers.

The policy addresses generative AI art and text that creates unique content, preventing it from being used in official SCA spaces. It is a broad umbrella policy at the corporate level, and it will be further defined or restricted in handbooks such as A&S, Webminister, and Social Media. Handbooks are easier to change, and that flexibility is needed with dynamic situations. It minimizes restrictions for AI tools that are could be useful, relieving some of the lift for volunteers in the organization. Photo editing tools and use in coding are not prohibited. It also does not restrict use when used as accessibility and disability aids.

A.1 Establishes that AI generated art cannot be created or modified and presented as an “original contribution” for SCA official use and SCA spaces.

B.1 Establishes that “the unauthorized use, reproduction, or misrepresentation of another person’s or source’s work as one’s own is strictly prohibited.”

These two parts jointly are designed to prevent using generative AI art that is trained on stolen materials. This allows for AI use when they are ethically sourced.

B.2. “Members must provide proper attribution when referencing or incorporating the work of others, including written, artistic, and research materials. This includes stating when AI is used.”

This part allows the use of AI when they are ethically sourced and properly cited.

Summary: Artificial Intelligence can be a powerful tool, especially in a volunteer organization. SCA officers have crafted a policy to provide guidance to navigate an issue that continues to raise concerns in the organization. This is a complex issue, and SCA Corporate would benefit from the various perspectives and insights of the community. The feedback from the membership would be greatly appreciated as we try to address these concerns.

XXI. Policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

To ensure authenticity, originality, and integrity in creative and scholarly works associated with the Society, this policy outlines the rules for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). These rules do not apply to applications and software uses.

A. Generative Artificial Intelligence

1. The use of generative AI Art tools to create or modify works that are presented as original contributions in any official SCA capacity or on its official spaces is prohibited.
2. The use of generative AI Text tools to create or modify works in any official SCA capacity or on its official online spaces are acceptable for the following uses:
- A. Generate first drafts of text
- B. Summarize documents or meeting notes
- C. Edit, proofread, or reformat existing content
- D. Brainstorm ideas or create content outlines
- E. Translate text between languages

B. Plagiarism

1. The unauthorized use, reproduction, or misrepresentation of another person’s or source’s work as one’s own is strictly prohibited.
2. Members must provide proper attribution when referencing or incorporating the work of others, including written, artistic, and research materials. This includes stating when AI is used.

C. Compliance and Enforcement

1. Violations of this policy may result in disqualification from competitions, removal of works from display or publication, removal from office, or other disciplinary actions as determined by the appropriate SCA Officers.
2. Violations of this policy may be reported to their Society Officer in their respective purview.
3. Society Officers may issue additional guidance within their areas of oversight.

Please email all commentary to [email protected], and use the title “AI Policy Addition – commentary” in the subject line. Commentary regarding this proposed policy addition must be received by the Board no later than May 27, 2026.

New addition of a “Policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Plagiarism” Commentary Request

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