Instructor Terminated for Failing Grade on Bible-Based Gender Essay

The University of Oklahoma recently terminated an instructor who faced allegations of religious discrimination after assigning a failing grade to a student's psychology paper that referenced the Bible and criticized the concept of multiple genders.

In a statement released on Monday, the university revealed that its investigation determined the graduate teaching assistant had acted 'arbitrarily' in awarding 20-year-old junior Samantha Fulnecky zero points for her assignment. The university declined to provide further comments, stating only that the instructor had been removed from her teaching position.

Mel Curth, the instructor involved, through her attorney, denied any claims of arbitrary grading. Her attorney, Brittany Stewart, mentioned that Curth is contemplating legal action.

The incident quickly gained traction online, especially among conservative groups, who argued that Fulnecky was penalized for articulating her Christian beliefs. This case has highlighted ongoing debates regarding academic freedom on college campuses, particularly as discussions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to be contentious.

Fulnecky had appealed her grade, which constituted 3% of her final class score, and the university announced that the assignment would no longer be considered. Additionally, Oklahoma's Republican Governor, Kevin Stitt, expressed concern over the situation.

In its statement, the University of Oklahoma emphasized its commitment to both faculty academic freedom and students' rights to an unbiased education. They stated, 'We are committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think.'

Recent legislation in Oklahoma, endorsed by the state's Republican-majority legislature, restricts public universities from using state funds for diversity initiatives but asserts that such restrictions do not apply to individual faculty members' academic freedom.

Fulnecky's failing grade stemmed from an assignment on lifespan development, in which she expressed her belief in a binary understanding of gender based on her biblical interpretation. She described the societal push for multiple genders as 'demonic,' arguing it negatively impacts American youth.

Feedback from Curth on the paper indicated that it failed to address the assignment's questions, was self-contradictory, relied on personal beliefs over evidence, and was at times offensive. She clarified that points were not deducted due to the student's beliefs.