A judge ruled that a U-Michigan student suing over AI discipline must reveal her identity in court.
Why it matters: Legal professionals should note how this ruling shapes the balance between student privacy and transparency in AI-related academic misconduct cases. It underscores the implications for disability accommodations and due process amid AI governance in universities.
- Jane Doe sued the University of Michigan on February 12, 2026, for wrongful discipline related to unauthorized AI use in Great Books 191 (Docket No. 3:26-cv-10058).
- The student alleges her writing style, influenced by anxiety and OCD, was mistaken for AI-generated content leading to disciplinary action.
- She was found guilty of academic misconduct on December 10, 2025, resulting in a ‘No Record’ grade—a status meaning the course credit was removed without appearing on her transcript—and has appealed the decision.
- Judge Laurie Michelson ruled on July 28, 2026, that the student cannot proceed anonymously, requiring her identity be disclosed in the lawsuit. (U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan)
A University of Michigan undergraduate, known as Jane Doe in court documents, filed a lawsuit challenging her academic discipline for unauthorized AI use in the Great Books 191 course. The student claims her unique writing style—affected by anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—was misread as AI-generated, leading to the misconduct charge.
After being found guilty of academic misconduct on December 10, 2025, the university assigned her a ‘No Record’ grade, which means the course credit is forfeited without the grade appearing on her transcript. She appealed this finding and filed complaints alleging disability discrimination and procedural bias during the university’s investigation…