December 25, 2025

Instructor Dismissed Over Grading Dispute on Bible-Based Essay

News Summary

The University of Oklahoma has dismissed instructor Mel Curth after an internal investigation found her grading of a student’s Bible-based essay was ‘arbitrary.’ The psychology assignment, which questioned multiple genders, led to a national debate on academic freedom and religious expression. Student Samantha Fulnecky’s grade was changed to exclude the assignment from her final evaluation. Curth is considering legal action while ongoing discussions about gender identity in education persist amidst legislative efforts targeting diversity initiatives.

Oklahoma city, OK — University of Oklahoma Instructor Removed After Grading Dispute Over Bible-Based Gender Essay

The University of Oklahoma has dismissed graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth following a grading dispute involving a psychology assignment that cited the Bible and questioned the concept of multiple genders. The university’s internal investigation concluded that Curth’s grading was “arbitrary,” leading to her removal from instructional duties. The assignment, which accounted for 3% of the final grade, will not impact student Samantha Fulnecky’s academic standing. Curth has denied any wrongdoing and is considering legal action. This incident has sparked national debates on academic freedom, religious expression, and gender identity in higher education.

Background of the Dispute

In November 2025, psychology student Samantha Fulnecky submitted a 650-word essay for a “Lifespan Development” course. The assignment required students to analyze a study on the impact of gender norms on middle school students’ popularity and bullying. Fulnecky expressed frustration with the assignment’s premise, stating her belief in only two genders based on her understanding of the Bible. She argued that promoting the belief in multiple genders was “demonic” and harmful to American youth, suggesting it deviated from what she described as God’s original plan for humans. This perspective led to her receiving a zero on the assignment from instructor Mel Curth. Curth’s feedback indicated that the essay did not address the assignment’s questions, contradicted itself, relied on personal ideology over empirical evidence, and was at times offensive. Curth emphasized that the grade was not based on Fulnecky’s beliefs but on the assignment’s content and quality. Fulnecky appealed the grade, and the university decided to exclude the assignment from her final grade. Curth was placed on administrative leave, and an internal investigation was conducted. The university’s statement emphasized its commitment to both academic freedom and ensuring students are evaluated fairly, stating, “We are committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think.” The case has drawn national attention, with conservative groups and commentators highlighting it as an example of students being penalized for expressing conservative Christian views. Oklahoma’s Republican governor also expressed concern, calling the situation “deeply concerning.” The incident has become a focal point in ongoing debates over academic freedom, religious expression, and gender identity in higher education, particularly amid broader legislative efforts in Oklahoma to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public universities. Curth, through her attorney, has denied any arbitrary behavior regarding the student’s work and is considering all legal remedies, including appealing the university’s decision. The university has not released further details regarding the findings of the religious discrimination allegation filed by Fulnecky. The situation continues to evolve, with discussions ongoing about the balance between academic freedom, religious expression, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in academic settings.

Related Developments

Conservative Groups’ Response: Conservative groups and commentators have amplified Fulnecky’s complaint online, framing the incident as an example of students being penalized for expressing conservative Christian views. This has contributed to a broader national conversation about academic freedom and the expression of religious beliefs in educational settings.
State Legislation: The incident occurs amid broader legislative efforts in Oklahoma to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public universities. A law approved earlier this year prohibits state universities from using public funds to finance DEI programs or positions or mandating DEI training, though it explicitly states that it does not apply to scholarly research or the academic freedom of individual faculty members.
University’s Position: The University of Oklahoma has reaffirmed its commitment to both academic freedom and ensuring students are evaluated fairly. The university’s statement emphasized that it is committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think, and that students have the right to receive an education free from impermissible evaluative standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the reason for the instructor’s removal from teaching duties?

The University of Oklahoma removed instructor Mel Curth after an internal investigation found that her grading of a psychology assignment was “arbitrary.” The assignment, which accounted for 3% of the final grade, will not impact student Samantha Fulnecky’s academic standing. Curth has denied any wrongdoing and is considering legal action.

What was the content of the disputed psychology assignment?

The assignment required students to write a 650-word response examining whether conformity with gender norms affected popularity or bullying among middle school students. Student Samantha Fulnecky expressed frustration with the assignment’s premise, stating her belief in only two genders based on her understanding of the Bible. She argued that promoting the belief in multiple genders was “demonic” and harmful to American youth, suggesting it deviated from what she described as God’s original plan for humans.

How has the incident been received by conservative groups?

Conservative groups and commentators have highlighted Fulnecky’s failing grade as an example of students being penalized for expressing conservative Christian views. The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over academic freedom, particularly amid broader legislative efforts in Oklahoma to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public universities.

What is the University of Oklahoma’s stance on academic freedom and student evaluation?

The University of Oklahoma has reaffirmed its commitment to both academic freedom and ensuring students are evaluated fairly. The university’s statement emphasized that it is committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think, and that students have the right to receive an education free from impermissible evaluative standards.

What legal actions are being considered by the instructor?

Instructor Mel Curth, through her attorney, has denied any arbitrary behavior regarding the student’s work and is considering all legal remedies, including appealing the university’s decision.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Incident	Instructor Mel Curth removed from teaching duties after grading dispute over Bible-based gender essay
Student Involved	Samantha Fulnecky, 20-year-old junior psychology student
Assignment Details	650-word essay for “Lifespan Development” course analyzing study on gender norms and middle school students
Instructor’s Feedback	Essay did not address assignment questions, contradicted itself, relied on personal ideology over empirical evidence, and was offensive
University’s Response	Assignment excluded from final grade; instructor placed on administrative leave; internal investigation conducted
Instructor’s Response	Denied arbitrary grading; considering legal action
Broader Context	Debate over academic freedom, religious expression, and gender identity in higher education; legislative efforts in Oklahoma to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives