HINGHAM, Mass. (WPRI) — The family of a Hingham High School student is suing the school after their son was accused of cheating when he used artificial intelligence (AI) to help complete a paper.

The case could not only impact his college admissions, but also issue changes to schools across Massachusetts, according to the student’s parents.

Jennifer and Dale Harris said in the lawsuit that their son only used AI as a tool to do research, and not to actually write his history paper.

But the school didn’t see it that way. The student was given detention and his grade suffered as a result.

His parents said it was punishment for a rule that doesn’t exist, since the school handbook never mentions the use of AI.

The Harrises said their son was not allowed into the National Honor Society because of the incident and is now at risk of not getting into his top college choices.

“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 Harris said.

“You can’t undo some of these punishments. You already made him redo the paper, and you can’t undo the Saturday detention, but there are some things you can fix right now and do the right thing,” Dale Harris added.

The high school said it does have policies regarding the use of AI and has already spoken to students about how and when to use it.

There’s a hearing on this case scheduled in federal court next week.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.