Parents in Massachusetts sue the high school for ruining its reputation after their child was accused of using AI to write homework, and made three demands to correct the mistakes
A Massachusetts high school student is facing allegations from his school for using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to complete a history essay, with claims of cheating that have led his parents to take legal action against the school.
Jennifer and Dale Harris, the student’s parents, revealed to local media outlet WCVB that their son utilized AI tools to aid in research for his history paper but did not actually use AI to write the essay itself.
“They told us that our son cheated on his paper, but that’s not the case,” Jennifer stated.
The Harris family claims that after the school discovered their son’s use of AI tools, he was placed on probation, resulting in negative impacts on his grades. In court documents, they argue that this incident could cause “irreparable harm” to their son, who has consistently performed well academically and is in the process of applying to top universities.
As a consequence of the allegations, the student was barred from joining the National Honor Society.
The lawsuit requests that the school “exclude the zero grade from the calculations of the student’s grade” and “immediately correct the student’s social studies grade to a B.” Furthermore, it calls for the student’s admission to the National Honor Society to be reinstated.
The lawsuit alleges that the school lacks clear regulations regarding AI use, noting that the school’s handbook does not provide established policies or procedures for staff, teachers, or students on how to handle cases of AI usage.
According to ABC News, the handbook states that “unauthorized use of technology” could be considered cheating or plagiarism, including the use of AI, but does not specify how or when AI use is forbidden.
Plagiarism is defined in the handbook as “unauthorized use or close imitation of another author’s words and ideas, including AI, and presenting them as one’s own work.”
The handbook further stipulates that teachers discovering cheating must “record failing grades for every student connected with the assignment” and inform the students’ parents. Teachers are also required to notify the assistant principal, who will document the cheating incident in the student’s disciplinary record and may take further action if deemed necessary.
Jennifer urged the school to clarify its regulations regarding the use of AI, stating, “I also hope that the school develops a reasonable AI policy that teachers can understand and clearly communicate to students.”
The lawsuit also calls for school administrators to “receive training on the use and practice of AI within classroom, school, and educational environments, provided by a qualified third party not employed by the school district.”