AI cheating lawsuits are here: Parents sue high school over cheating allegations

AI-related cheating accusation sparks legal battle: A Massachusetts family has filed a federal lawsuit against their son’s high school after he was accused of cheating by using artificial intelligence for a history assignment.

• Jennifer and Dale Harris, parents of a Hingham High School student, claim their son used AI only for research purposes and not to write the paper itself.
• The student faced detention and a grade reduction as a result of the accusation, according to the family.
• The lawsuit alleges that the student would suffer “irreparable harm” due to the incident, particularly as he is applying to elite colleges and universities.

Impact on student’s academic standing: The cheating accusation has had significant consequences for the student’s academic profile and future prospects.

• The student was not inducted into the National Honor Society as a result of the AI use allegations.
• The family is requesting that the school exclude any zero grade from calculations for the assignment and restore the student’s Social Studies grade to a “B.”
• They are also seeking retroactive appointment and immediate induction of the student into the honor society.

Unclear AI policies at the center of dispute: The family argues that the school’s policies regarding AI use were not well-defined or communicated.

• The school handbook reportedly lacked established rules, policies, or procedures for AI use and how to handle encounters with it.
• Jennifer Harris called for the school to implement a clear AI policy that teachers can understand and articulate to students.

School’s existing policies on cheating and plagiarism: Despite the family’s claims, Hingham High School’s handbook does address AI use in certain contexts.

• The school’s code of discipline defines cheating as including “unauthorized use of technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), during an assessment.”
• Plagiarism is defined as including the “unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author, including Artificial Intelligence.”
• Teachers who discover cheating are required to record a failing grade, inform parents, and notify the assistant principal for potential further action.

Legal demands and proposed solutions: The Harris family’s lawsuit includes requests for policy changes and staff training to address AI use in education.

• The filing calls for school staff to undergo training in the use and implementation of AI in educational settings, conducted by a qualified third party not employed by the district.
• This request highlights the need for educators to stay informed about evolving technologies and their impact on academic integrity.

Privacy concerns and ongoing litigation: The school district has limited its public response due to student privacy and the active legal proceedings.

• A spokesperson for Hingham Public Schools stated they are unable to provide further details at this time, citing respect for the student’s privacy and the ongoing litigation.

Broader implications for AI in education: This case underscores the growing challenges and debates surrounding AI use in academic settings.

• As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, schools and universities may need to reassess and clarify their policies on technology use in assignments and assessments.
• The incident highlights the importance of clear communication between educational institutions, students, and parents regarding acceptable uses of AI and other emerging technologies in academic work.
• This lawsuit could potentially set a precedent for how schools handle AI-related academic integrity issues in the future, emphasizing the need for proactive policy development and education on AI’s role in learning environments.