In a world where information and data is accessible to all, many struggling students are able to access readily available content that pertains to their education. However, the plight of the individuals who work for countless hours to publish a research paper or develop scholarly reports are often victims of intellectual theft through plagiarism. It’s an academic atrocity to take someone else’s work or ideas and pass them off as one’s own. In most universities, plagiarism results in an automatic expulsion. Such is the harsh nature of this crime that it is frowned upon across many institutions around the world. The consequences are so severe that it’s not worth it for anyone to attempt.

That being said, many famous individuals have been accused of copying someone else’s work, a prime example being the great Martin Luther King Jr., who was found guilty of plagiarising a dissertation submitted in university decades after his death. Nevertheless, due to his stature in American society, his PhD was not revoked. Despite this controversy, he went on to play a major role in equality within America, and his name is etched into Western folklore.

In the current age where resources are available to counter plagiarism, many consider it preposterous that one would attempt to claim someone else’s work as their own. The thought of an individual who is well established in society to commit a crime like this in our times would be branded as ludicrous. However, Donald J. Trump, the Republican presidential candidate in the US, was wound up in a calamity when his wife, Melania Trump, was accused of plagiarising a speech by Michelle Obama from the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Freelance journalist Jarrett Hill immediately spotted similarities between both speeches and proceeded to tweet his findings. Since then, the subject has become the leading topic between major newsfeeds around the world and the scandal highlights the fragility of Trump’s campaign. With millions of eyes watching over her, Melania produced a glaring mistake. While her acts may not be intentional, they spark questions amongst viewers regarding Trump’s credibility.

The prospect of plagiarism may seem tempting to the lazy individual, but they should bear in mind that the risk outweighs the reward. If students find information online or in a book that they wish to use, they should remember to cite the text to avoid being accused of academic dishonesty. In the age of technology, where countless resources cease to exist, teachers and parents must be aware of the consequences of plagiarism. We all need to take necessary steps to ensure that students learn to use the readily available knowledge properly for the betterment of society.

- The reader is a student based in Oakville, Canada.