Adelphi University student sues over AI plagiarism accusation
Orion Newby, a 19-year-old Adelphi University student with learning and neurological disabilities, sued the school after it accused him of using AI to write a history essay based on Turnitin detection software. Newby denies the allegation, saying his writing style was influenced by his disabilities and university tutoring, and argues the university violated its own disciplinary procedures by not allowing him to appeal.
What happened
A professor at Adelphi University reported that Orion Newby, a sophomore, used AI to write a history essay, and the school agreed with this assessment based on the Turnitin AI-detection tool.
Newby denies using ChatGPT or other AI to write the essay, claiming instead that tutors from the university's Bridge Program, which assists students with learning and neurological disabilities, helped him with the work.
The university ordered Newby to attend a plagiarism workshop and did not allow him to appeal the verdict.
Reported impact
Newby said he was devastated, overwhelmed and stressed by the accusation, fearing his career at Adelphi would be over, as a second offense could have resulted in suspension or expulsion.
Index analysis
Montclair State University Associate Provost Emily Isaacs stated that AI-detection tools are usually correct, but said that's not always the case and advised her faculty not to use AI detection tools due to accuracy concerns.
The lawsuit argues that Turnitin is 'not sufficiently accurate' to support the ruling and that the disciplinary process failed to follow Adelphi's own policies.
Governance controls
The lawsuit alleges that Adelphi violated its own policies by not allowing Newby to be heard or defend himself and by not allowing him to appeal the verdict.
Adelphi stated in court papers that Newby violated the university's code of academic integrity and that the AI detection program is 'reliable, accurate and an important tool' in addressing improper use of AI.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.