December 29, 2025

University of Oklahoma Instructor Placed on Leave After Grading Dispute

News Summary

A graduate instructor at the University of Oklahoma has been placed on administrative leave after grading a student’s controversial essay about gender roles. The instructor, Mel Curth, who identifies as transgender, graded Samantha Fulnecky’s essay that cited the Bible and argued against acceptance of multiple genders as ‘arbitrary,’ leading to an investigation. The university found Curth’s grading did not meet academic standards and removed the failing grade from Fulnecky’s record, prompting national debates on academic freedom and religious expression.

University of Oklahoma Instructor Placed on Leave After Grading Dispute

Oklahoma City, OK – A graduate instructor at the University of Oklahoma has been placed on administrative leave following a dispute over a student’s essay that cited the Bible in a psychology assignment on gender roles. An internal investigation determined that the instructor’s grading was “arbitrary,” leading to her removal from teaching duties.

Incident Overview

Samantha Fulnecky, a junior studying psychology, received zero points on a 650-word essay where she argued that promoting beliefs in multiple genders was “demonic” and detrimental to American youth. The assignment required responses to an academic study examining the relationship between conformity to gender norms and their impact on middle school students’ social dynamics. Fulnecky referenced the Bible to support her argument, claiming that societal acceptance of multiple genders contradicted God’s original design for humanity.

The instructor, Mel Curth, who identifies as transgender, graded Fulnecky’s submission as failing. Curth stated that the essay did not address the assignment’s central questions, contained contradictions, relied heavily on personal ideology rather than empirical evidence, and was at times offensive. She asserted that the grading was based on the assignment’s academic criteria and standards, not on Fulnecky’s personal beliefs.

University’s Response to the Situation

Upon Fulnecky’s appeal and a formal discrimination complaint, the University of Oklahoma carried out an investigation. Subsequently, they concluded that Curth’s grading approach was deemed “arbitrary.” The university announced that she would “no longer have instructional duties,” while also affirming its commitment to upholding both academic freedom and fair student evaluations. The university clarified that they aim to teach students how to think critically rather than dictate beliefs, and the failing grade was removed from Fulnecky’s academic record, which constituted 3% of her overall grade.

Wider Implications and Community Reactions

This incident has ignited a national discourse surrounding academic freedom, religious expression, and the integration of diverse perspectives within educational environments. Conservative organizations have pointed to Fulnecky’s case as a demonstration of religious discrimination, while perspectives from academia emphasize the crucial nature of adhering to academic standards and promoting evidence-based reasoning in scholarly discourse. This controversy unfolds within the context of broader state legislative initiatives in Oklahoma aimed at limiting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education.

Instructor’s Position

Curth has refuted claims of arbitrary behavior regarding the student’s assignment through her attorney. She is contemplating various legal options, including an appeal of the university’s decision, and maintains that her grading was firmly based on the assignment’s parameters and academic expectations rather than any personal beliefs held by Fulnecky.

Conclusion

The University of Oklahoma’s management of this incident highlights the continual challenges faced by educational institutions in balancing rigorous academic standards with the protection of individual rights and freedoms. The case remains a significant topic in the ongoing discussions about the intersection of personal beliefs and academic practices in higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

The University of Oklahoma determined that the instructor’s grading was “arbitrary,” leading to her removal from teaching duties. The university’s investigation found that the instructor’s grading did not adhere to academic standards and was not based on the assignment’s requirements.

What was the content of the student’s essay that led to the failing grade?

The student, Samantha Fulnecky, wrote an essay arguing that promoting a belief in multiple genders was “demonic” and harmful to American youth. She cited the Bible to support her views, stating that society’s acceptance of multiple genders contradicted God’s original plan for humans.

How did the instructor justify the failing grade given to the student’s essay?

The instructor, Mel Curth, stated that the essay did not address the assignment’s questions, contradicted itself, relied heavily on personal ideology over empirical evidence, and was at times offensive. She emphasized that the grading was based on the assignment’s requirements and academic standards, not on the student’s personal beliefs.

What has been the response from conservative groups regarding this incident?

Conservative groups and commentators have highlighted the student’s case as an example of religious discrimination, arguing that she was punished for expressing conservative Christian views. They have criticized the university’s actions and emphasized the importance of protecting religious expression in academic settings.

What is the university’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 stated that they are committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think, and emphasized that the failing grade would not affect the student’s final grade.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature	Details
Student’s Essay Content	Argued that promoting a belief in multiple genders was “demonic” and harmful to American youth, citing the Bible to support the view that society’s acceptance of multiple genders contradicted God’s original plan for humans.
Instructor’s Response	Graded the essay as failing, stating it did not address the assignment’s questions, contradicted itself, relied heavily on personal ideology over empirical evidence, and was at times offensive.
University’s Action	Conducted an investigation, determined the grading was “arbitrary,” and removed the instructor from teaching duties. The failing grade was also removed from the student’s academic record.
Broader Implications	Sparked national debate over academic freedom, religious expression, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in educational settings. Conservative groups highlighted the case as an example of religious discrimination.
Instructor’s Position	Denied any arbitrary behavior regarding the student’s work and is considering all legal remedies, including appealing the university’s decision.