Parents Sue High School After Son Is Punished For Using AI On History Paper

The parents of a Massachusetts high school student have filed a lawsuit against Hingham High School, alleging that their son was unfairly punished for using artificial intelligence (AI) in a history paper. Jennifer and Dale Harris argue that their son used AI as a research tool, not to write the paper and that the school's handbook did not mention the use of AI until after the incident.

The student received detention, and his grade was negatively affected by the punishment. The Harris family claims that this has prevented their son from joining the National Honor Society and could potentially impact his college options.

"He got a perfect score on the ACT, and he's looking to go to Stanford or MIT or some of the top schools, and he's missed the opportunity already for rolling admissions," Jennifer Harris said in an interview with WISTV .

The family is now calling for the school system to clarify its policies on the use of AI. The case highlights the ongoing debate about the role of AI in education and the need for clear guidelines on its use.

"I'd also like them to put in place an AI policy that makes sense, that the teachers understand that they then can articulate to the students," Jennifer told WPRI .