Professors Clash Over Whether Colleges Are Forcing AI Assignments
On October 7, a debate over universities mandating AI unfolded on X. Literature professor Tyler Harper recounted a frustrating conversation: a student who simply wanted to read books and actually learn something was repeatedly pushed into AI assignments by LLM-enthusiastic instructors, while the school pushed AI tools on students and faculty alike in the name of "learning to use AI responsibly." He cited another university staff member's complaint to corroborate the phenomenon, and shared links claiming many institutions are stuffing AI content into classrooms—with some instructors even being required to assign AI homework.
Confirmed
- Harper stated that a student explicitly said they just wanted to read quietly and did not want to be dragged into AI assignments; this conversation is his first-hand account.
- Paul Novosad acknowledged a reality in his reply: even if you hate AI, teaching well requires understanding how students are using it, since AI can now easily complete a huge share of coursework—that's unavoidable.
- Novosad also mentioned a teaching approach he considers terrible: some instructors assign AI-generated text for students to critique and improve, which he slammed as a "brainworm"-style practice; he supports students learning in advance how each course uses AI so they can pick courses that match their expectations.
Unconfirmed
- Whether "schools forcing instructors to assign AI homework" is real and widespread remains the crux of the debate. Novosad pressed for which schools are actually doing this and offered an alternative reading: the supposed "mandate" may just mean instructors are told they must understand that AI can complete assignments, not that AI assignments are strictly required. Harper's linked evidence has not been independently verified.
Why it matters
The dispute reflects a clash over how AI should enter higher education: imposed as a universal tool, or adopted with respect for students' and instructors' choice. The two sides aren't fully opposed—even Novosad, who questions the "mandate" claim, agrees instructors must face the reality that students are already using AI, showing the debate centers on implementation and transparency, not on whether to confront AI at all.
2026-10-07 ~ 2026-10-07 · 5 related posts
Primary sources
- Professor decries universities force-feeding AI assignments to students who just want to read books — Tyler_A_Harper ·
- Even if you hate AI, you need to understand how students use it to teach, says Novosad — paulnovosad ·
- Economist sparks debate over professors assigning AI writing for students to critique in class — paulnovosad ·
- [source] Professor decries universities force-feeding AI assignments to students who just want to read books — Tyler_A_Harper · 2026-10-07
- Economist Paul Novosad questions whether universities really force AI assignments on faculty — paulnovosad · 2026-10-07
- [source] Even if you hate AI, you need to understand how students use it to teach, says Novosad — paulnovosad · 2026-10-07
- Debate erupts over business schools requiring AI classes for faculty and students — paulnovosad · 2026-10-07
- [source] Economist sparks debate over professors assigning AI writing for students to critique in class — paulnovosad · 2026-10-07