“We cannot choose to become idiots”: The AI cheating scandal roiling Brown University (arstechnica.com)

A recent cheating scandal at Brown University has emerged, revealing a significant uptick in the use of generative AI by students to complete exams and assignments. Following a tragic incident on campus in December 2025, where two people were killed, Professor Roberto Serrano decided to implement take-home exams for his challenging ECON 1170 class in spring 2026. The result was a remarkable surge in enrollment, with 86 students signing up, a substantial increase compared to previous semesters. The midterm exam scores saw an astonishing average of 96 out of 100, starkly contrasted with historical averages between 65% and 80%, raising eyebrows about the legitimacy of these enhanced scores. This situation highlights a critical challenge facing the AI/ML community as the academic integrity of educational institutions is tested by advanced technologies. The implication is profound: as AI becomes more accessible, reliance on it for shortcuts threatens genuine learning and understanding. The scandal at Brown serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical dimensions of AI use, particularly in high-stakes environments where learning outcomes are crucial. With AI tools becoming more pervasive, educators and institutions must reconsider assessment strategies and the pressures students face, ensuring that learning remains the primary focus amidst a competitive academic landscape.