Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Aug 12: A leading high school in Queens has decided to combat the misuse of artificial intelligence in academics by banning typed summer reading essays. Townsend Harris High School will now require students to handwrite their essays in class during the first weeks of September, a move aimed at preventing the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for homework.

“We've noticed too much use of artificial intelligence in the past and think in-class will allow for a more authentic representation of student thinking,” English teacher Brian Sweeney told The Classic, the school’s student newspaper.

The decision has sparked debate among students. While some call it unfair to penalise all for the actions of a few, others see it as a fair step to ensure originality. Supporters say it will encourage students to read the assigned books in full instead of relying on AI-generated summaries.

Education experts remain divided, with some urging schools to teach responsible AI use, while others back stricter measures. The move comes as the New York City Department of Education works on clear AI guidelines after lifting its earlier ban on ChatGPT.