Diocesan Board of Education
Diocese of Belleville
Policy5151
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) STUDENT USE POLICY
Purpose
The Diocese of Belleville recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance learning, creativity, and productivity when used responsibly. Consistent with the mission of Catholic education, AI must support the formation of the whole person spiritually, intellectually, morally, and socially. AI is a tool that can assist learning, but it cannot replace human relationships, critical thinking, personal responsibility, or authentic student work.
This policy applies to all AI tools used in connection with school activities, whether on or off campus and whether accessed through school-owned or personal devices.
Guiding Principles
The use of AI in diocesan and parish schools shall:
- Uphold the dignity of every human person.
- Reflect Catholic values and serve the common good
- Promote honesty, integrity, and responsible digital citizenship.
- Support learning, creativity, and critical thinking.
- Protect privacy, confidentiality, and student safety.
Student Expectations
Students may use AI tools only as permitted by their teacher and for educational purposes consistent with assignment expectations.
Students are expected to:
- Use AI to support, not replace, their own learning and intellectual effort.
- Disclose and acknowledge AI use when required by the teacher.
- Verify the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated content.
- Protect personal, confidential, and school-related information.
- Use AI in a manner consistent with Catholic values and respect for others.
Prohibited Uses
Students may not use AI to:
- Cheat, plagiarize, or misrepresent AI-generated work as their own.
- Complete assessments or assignments when AI use has been prohibited.
- Create, access, or distribute harmful, offensive, discriminatory, deceptive, or inappropriate content.
- Harass, bully, impersonate, or threaten others.
- Share confidential, personal, or protected information.
- Violate school policies, diocesan expectations, or applicable laws.
AI companion, role-play, or relationship-based chatbot platforms are prohibited on school devices, networks, and during school-sponsored activities unless expressly approved by school administration or teachers.
Teacher Authority
Teachers will determine when and how AI may be used in their classrooms and may require students to explain, document, or demonstrate the authenticity of their work. AI-detection tools will not be used as the sole basis for determining academic misconduct.
Parent Partnership
Parents and guardians are encouraged to support responsible AI use by promoting academic honesty, transparency, and appropriate digital citizenship.
Consequences for Misuse
Violations of this policy will be addressed in accordance with school and diocesan disciplinary procedures and may result in academic consequences, loss of technology privileges, or other disciplinary action as appropriate.
Statement of Commitment
Artificial Intelligence offers valuable opportunities for learning and innovation. As Catholic school communities, we are committed to using these technologies in ways that honor human dignity, strengthen authentic learning, foster wisdom and critical thinking, and advance the mission of Catholic education.
Adopted: August 18, 2026