Should I Report My Best Friends Plagiarism to Our University Professor?

It started with a “can you lend me your notes?” moment, and somehow it ends with a friend straight-up presenting the exact same research word-for-word.

OP, 21M, shared his notes with Alex, 20M, after Alex asked to borrow them for a group project on a historical event. Everything seemed fine until presentation day, when Alex got up and delivered OP’s work like it was his own. After class, OP confronted him, looking for an apology, but Alex brushed it off, basically saying it’s no big deal because they’re friends.

Original Post

So I'm (21M) in a tight spot with my best friend, Alex (20M). We were both given a group project where we had to research and present on a historical event.

Alex, who is notorious for procrastinating, asked to borrow my notes for the project. I trusted him and shared them.

Fast forward to presentation day, and when he went up to present, I was shocked to hear him present MY research word-for-word. I was beyond embarrassed and immediately knew he had plagiarized my work without credit.

After class, I confronted him about it, hoping for an apology, but he dismissed it, saying it wasn't a big deal since we were friends. I felt betrayed and disrespected. A part of me feels like I should stand up for what's right, even if it means risking our friendship.

But another part worries about the fallout and potential consequences. So, WIBTA for exposing Alex's plagiarism to our university professor?

I honestly don't know what to do, desperately needing outside perspective.

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It also echoes the friend who confessed feelings while dating someone.

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The second OP heard Alex speak his research word-for-word, the “notes loan” turned into a full-on betrayal.</p>

When Alex dismissed the confrontation by calling it “not a big deal” since they’re friends, OP’s embarrassment turned into anger.</p>

The group project that was supposed to be shared work now feels like OP got used as free labor while Alex took the credit.</p>

So when OP considers exposing Alex to the university professor, it’s not just about grades, it’s about whether Alex will ever take responsibility.</p>

We're curious to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Nobody wants to find out their best friend used their homework as their own voice.

For a similar loyalty test, check out what a worker did when their friend fudged data.