NEW YORK, Oct 16: The parents of a Massachusetts teenager have sued his high school, alleging their son was wrongfully accused of cheating for using an AI tool to assist with research on a history paper.

Jennifer and Dale Harris stated that their son used AI only for research and not for writing the paper. "They told us our son cheated on a paper, which is not what happened," Jennifer said.

Following the school's discovery of the AI use, the student received detention and his grade suffered. The lawsuit claims this incident could cause "irreparable harm," especially as he applies to elite colleges based on his academic achievements. It also alleges he was barred from joining the National Honor Society.

The Harris family seeks remedies including the removal of any zero grades for the assignment and an immediate adjustment of their son's Social Studies grade to a 'B,' along with retroactive induction into the National Honor Society.

The filing criticizes the school's unclear AI policies, noting the handbook mentions that "unauthorized use of technology" may be seen as cheating but lacks specific guidance. It defines plagiarism as the unauthorized use of another's thoughts, including AI, and outlines that teachers must assign a failing grade for cheating and notify parents.

Jennifer Harris urged the school to clarify AI usage policies, stating, "I'd like them to put in place an AI policy that makes sense." The filing also requests training for school administrators on AI implementation from an external expert.

In response, a spokesperson for Hingham Public Schools declined to comment, citing privacy concerns and ongoing litigation.