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_2

In a recent controversy, a high school student in Massachusetts has been accused of cheating by using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write a history paper, leading to his parents filing a lawsuit against the school. The student’s parents, Jennifer and Dale Harris, spoke to local media outlet WCVB, clarifying that while their son used AI tools to assist in researching his paper, he did not actually use AI to write it.

Jennifer stated, “They told us our son cheated on his paper, but that isn’t true.”

The Harris family claims that after the school discovered their son used AI tools, he faced disciplinary action and his grades were negatively affected. In court documents, they argue that the incident has caused “irreparable harm” to their student, who has an excellent academic record and is in the process of applying to top universities.

Following the incident, the student was also barred from joining the National Honor Society, a decision the family believes is unjust.

The lawsuit demands that the school “exclude the zero grade from the calculation of the student’s overall grade” and “immediately correct, amend, and restore the student’s social studies grade to a B.” Additionally, they are calling for the student to be reinstated as a member of the National Honor Society.

The lawsuit alleges that the school lacks clear guidelines regarding the application of AI, stating that the school handbook does not contain any established rules or policies on how staff and students should handle situations involving AI use.

According to ABC News, the school handbook mentions that “unauthorized use of technology” may be considered cheating or plagiarism, “including the use of AI,” but fails to elaborate on how or if the use of AI is regulated.

The handbook defines plagiarism as “the unauthorized use or close imitation of another author’s language and thoughts, including AI, and presenting them as one’s own work.”

Per the handbook, when cheating is detected, teachers must “record a failing grade for each student involved with the assignment” and notify the students’ parents. Additionally, teachers are required to inform the assistant principal, who will add the cheating information to the student’s disciplinary record and may take further action if deemed necessary.

Jennifer is urging the school to clarify its rules regarding AI usage, saying, “I also hope the school can establish reasonable AI policies that enable teachers to understand and clearly communicate with students.”

The lawsuit also calls for school administrators to undergo training on the use and practices of AI in classroom and educational environments, provided by qualified third-party trainers not employed by the school district.