I honestly think it's more of a reactionary thing. Cheating is bad. That's a pretty uncontroversial statement. Whatever the criteria for "cheating", if we're al

I honestly think it's more of a reactionary thing. Cheating is bad. That's a pretty uncontroversial statement. Whatever the criteria for "cheating", if we're all agreeing that you did it, that's bad and deserves 'correction'. Once you're there, there's not a lot of reason to go further. "Did he cheat? Yes? Then he bad." Easy peasy, next topic of consideration. Why spend more time on something that has a simple answer? In this scenario, the students did what would have unequivocally been a "cheat", in generations past. They looked up answers and used them to prove knowledge. That's what every person who ever failed a math test for cheating did. So, again, even going deeper, this is cheating, plain and simple. No need to wade in any further, when you've already given the benefit of the doubt. Of course, this not being math, and technology replacing the need for such conventions in math are both important considerations that change the context. But, you have to give it now a third thought before you even get to this point, and of course, here's where things are quite subjective. I bet people would still pretend that knowing math is important for whatever corner of life they inhabit ("I work construction and geometry makes you a pro", "gotta be able to calculate tips", "you'll get killed on contracts with tricky rates"). Most would also quickly concede that if they were just taught how to get to interfaces (apps/websites/etc) that solve those problems, that would be effective as well (even if they couldn't help adding "but knowing is faster/better/convenient/etc"). And so, not only are we dealing with subjectivity and historical bias, but now also a confirmation bias. And all of that is on top of the authority bias that a lot of people START with ("the authority said don't do it; the students did it; they should fail." So, personally, I don't chalk up to indoctrination/conspiracy/malice anything that can be assumed to be myopia/selfishness/fear/distrust/etc. Humans are capable of the formers, but far more susceptible to the latters. That said, I'm never going to defend the US educational system, so I'm not disagree with you.