A University of Oklahoma student has ignited a national debate over academic freedom after receiving a failing grade on an essay for a gender studies class. Samantha Fulnecky, a junior, reported her psychology instructor to the school, claiming discrimination based on her religious beliefs. The university's chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit, has taken up her cause, posting the essay and instructor's comments online.
The assignment required a 650-word essay reacting to a psychology article on gender norms and mental health in middle school students. Fulnecky's essay cited the Bible extensively, arguing that eliminating gender roles would be detrimental and that multiple genders are a lie. She wrote, 'Women naturally want to do womanly things because God created us with those womanly desires.'
Instructor Mel Curth, who uses she/they pronouns, explained that the F grade was not due to Fulnecky's beliefs but because the essay failed to answer the questions, contradicted itself, relied on personal ideology over empirical evidence, and was at times offensive. Curth noted that major psychological and medical associations acknowledge that sex and gender are not binary or fixed.
Another instructor, Megan Waldron, concurred with the failing grade, stating the essay should not be considered a completion of the assignment. Turning Point USA's OU chapter, however, attacked Curth, posting: 'We should not be letting mentally ill professors around students.' Former Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters called Fulnecky 'an American hero' and demanded the firing of staff involved.
The incident has divided social media, with some criticising Fulnecky's writing and lack of sources, while others have launched personal attacks on Curth and raised First Amendment concerns. The university has not yet commented on the case.
