University of Minnesota Ph.D. Student Expelled Over AI Allegations Files Lawsuit

In a notable case at the University of Minnesota, a third-year Ph.D. student in health economics, Haishan Yang, was expelled in November 2023 after being accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) during a preliminary exam. Yang has vehemently denied these claims and is now pursuing a lawsuit against the university, asserting that his due process rights were violated during the handling of his case.

Expulsion Over Alleged Academic Dishonesty

Yang, 33, claims that the escalation to expulsion stemmed from a student conduct review panel’s flawed decision-making process. According to federal court documents he filed this month, Yang alleges that the panel relied on altered evidence and executed the review without granting him sufficient notice or an opportunity to respond. The panel’s decision was rooted in accusations that Yang utilized an AI language model, such as ChatGPT, to compose his written exam answers.

The preliminary exam is a significant hurdle for doctoral students, as passing it is essential for moving forward with dissertation work. At the University of Minnesota, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT is expressly prohibited in such assessments.

Faculty Concerns Lead to Investigation

The investigation was prompted by four faculty graders who reportedly expressed ‘significant concerns’ regarding the authenticity of Yang’s exam responses. They indicated that parts of his answers seemed irrelevant or contained language not typical of his prior work. To substantiate their accusations, two instructors generated ChatGPT responses based on the same questions and compared these to Yang’s answers.

Yang, however, has steadfastly maintained that he did not use AI in preparing for or taking the exam. He argues that the methods used to detect AI-generated content are both unreliable and biased, particularly against non-native English speakers like himself. Yang, who grew up speaking Southern Min, a Chinese dialect, believes these factors influenced the outcome of his case.

Broader Context: The Rise of AI Usage in Academia

This incident occurs amidst growing concerns over the use of AI in academic settings, particularly since AI tools have become widely available to students. The University of Minnesota has seen a surge in accusations of academic dishonesty linked to AI. In the 2023-24 school year, the university found 188 students guilty of such violations, with AI implicated in approximately half of those cases.

Notably, Yang is possibly the first student from the University of Minnesota to publicly challenge an expulsion based on AI usage. His case has raised questions about the reliability of AI detection methods and the potential ramifications of false accusations on student lives and careers.

Emotional and Professional Impact

Yang’s expulsion has had severe emotional and professional consequences for him. He reported feeling significant distress and concern for his future in academia, as he has lost his visa status with the expulsion. ‘In my case, it’s a death penalty,’ Yang stated, expressing the devastating impact on his career trajectory.

His academic advisor, Bryan Dowd, vouched for Yang’s capabilities during the review hearing, arguing that the punishment of expulsion was excessive, especially for what he called an ‘unsettled’ matter that hinges on the subjective recognition of AI-generated work. Dowd emphasized Yang’s status as a trustworthy and capable student who excelled in his coursework and research.

The Examination and Disciplinary Process

The online exam took place on August 5, 2023, and was designed as an open-book assessment, allowing students to utilize various resources, but explicitly prohibited the use of AI. Following the exam, complaints were instantaneously lodged, and subsequent reviews led to Yang’s dismissal from the program.

At the hearing, Yang’s exam responses were examined using AI detection software, which purportedly suggested a high probability of AI-generated content. In Yang’s view, however, these tools are not reliable and can misclassify the work of students, particularly those whose first language is not English.

The review panel ultimately sided with the faculty’s concerns, declaring that rebuilding trust with Yang would be ‘extremely difficult,’ a key factor in their decision to uphold the expulsion.

Lawsuits Filed: A Quest for Justice

In response to his expulsion, Yang has taken legal action. He seeks $575,000 in damages from the University of Minnesota and additional compensation of $760,000 in a separate defamation lawsuit against professor Hannah Neprash, who contributed evidence against him during the proceedings. His legal filings request a reversal of the expulsion and a public apology from the university.

Yang is adamant about his innocence and views this situation as a cautionary tale that could affect future students accused of similar misconduct. ‘The next student could be prosecuted for the same reasons. ‘Oh, your answer is so similar to ChatGPT,” he warned, highlighting a growing fear in academic environments.

The Future of AI in Education

As institutions grapple with AI’s rapid evolution, experts call for clearer guidelines and policies regarding its use in academia. The University of Minnesota, like many educational institutions, is developing strategies to address the complexities AI introduces into academic integrity.

Education specialist Manjeet Rege advocates for shifting assessments to formats that AI cannot easily replicate, such as personal reflections or project-based work. This approach helps maintain academic integrity while embracing new technologies.

As legal proceedings continue, Yang’s case shines a spotlight on the challenges that students and educators face in navigating AI’s presence in academic settings. The outcome of these lawsuits may set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Key Takeaways and Future Implications

• Yang’s expulsion raises critical questions about due process and the implications of relying on potentially flawed AI detection methods in academic settings.
• As AI use increases, institutions must reconsider their policies to prevent unjust outcomes for students who might be wrongfully accused of academic dishonesty.
• This case encourages ongoing discussions surrounding academic integrity and the need for transparency in disciplinary processes amid the growing integration of AI technologies in educational fields.

The University of Minnesota plans to provide a detailed perspective through upcoming court filings, while Yang represents himself as he continues to articulate his position against the allegations.