Adelphi Student Wins Lawsuit Over AI Plagiarism Accusation

Court rules Adelphi University must expunge student's record after finding he did not cheat using artificial intelligence.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Adelphi University student Orion Newby successfully sued his school after being accused of using artificial intelligence to cheat on a paper. A state Supreme Court judge ruled that the university's disciplinary measures against Newby were arbitrary and unilateral, and ordered the school to expunge his record.

Why it matters

The case is being called "groundbreaking" as it highlights concerns about the reliability of AI-detection tools used by universities, especially when serious consequences like expulsion are on the line for students. The ruling underscores the need for due process and careful consideration when using new technologies to police academic integrity.

The details

Newby, who has learning and neurological disorders, explained that he received help from tutors in Adelphi's Bridges program to write the paper. However, his professor used an app meant to detect AI-generated writing and gave him a zero, deeming the work fraudulent. Newby's parents hired a lawyer, and after four months the court ruled in their son's favor, reversing the disciplinary measures.

  • In February 2026, a state Supreme Court judge ruled in favor of Orion Newby.
  • The case was first reported on by CBS News New York in late 2025.

The players

Orion Newby

An Adelphi University student who was accused of using AI to cheat on a paper, but was able to prove it was his own work with the help of school tutors.

Candace and Hunter Newby

Orion Newby's parents, who hired a lawyer to fight the university's disciplinary measures against their son.

Adelphi University

The university that accused Orion Newby of using AI to cheat on a paper, leading to a lawsuit and court ruling in Newby's favor.

Mark Lesko

A former U.S. attorney who commented that the court's decision in the Newby case is "groundbreaking" in terms of ensuring students get due process when facing accusations of academic misconduct involving new technologies.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A group made a decision arbitrarily and unilaterally about the use of a new technology that no one quite fully understands.”

— Hunter Newby, Orion Newby's father (CBS News New York)

“I felt shocked. I felt like that was it. I felt like my life was over. I didn't want to be known as a plagiarist.”

— Orion Newby (CBS News New York)

“Unfortunately, it required us to go to a court for him to be heard.”

— Candace Newby, Orion Newby's mother (CBS News New York)

“Higher education needs to take a very careful look at this and we think the court's opinion in the Newby case is really groundbreaking.”

— Mark Lesko, Former U.S. attorney (CBS News New York)

What’s next

Adelphi University says it is evaluating the court's decision and will proceed accordingly.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for universities to exercise caution and due process when using new technologies like AI-detection tools to police academic integrity, especially when serious consequences for students are at stake. The ruling underscores the importance of ensuring students have the opportunity to defend themselves against such accusations.