A graduate teaching assistant at the University of Oklahoma has been permanently removed from instructional duties after an investigation found she acted "arbitrarily" in failing a student for referencing the Bible in an opinion-based paper.
The Controversial Grade and Appeal
The case centres on Samantha Fulnecky, a junior psychology student, who was given a failing grade for a 650-word response paper. The assignment asked students to react to an academic article about gender norms, conformity, and bullying in middle schools.
In her essay, Fulnecky argued against the concept of multiple genders, describing the idea as "demonic" and citing Biblical scripture to support her view that God created only men and women. The instructor, identified as Mel Curth who uses she/they pronouns, deemed the paper "offensive" and criticised Fulnecky for not using empirical evidence, while also urging her to apply more perspective and empathy.
Fulnecky immediately appealed the grade, filing a formal claim of illegal religious discrimination. She asserted she was failed solely for citing the Bible and exercising her First Amendment right to free speech.
University Investigation and Outcome
Following a review, university officials announced on Monday that the failing grade would not affect Fulnecky's final mark for the psychology class. Their investigation concluded that the teaching assistant's grading was arbitrary, based on an examination of her prior grading standards and her own statements on the matter.
In a decisive move, the university stated, "The graduate teaching assistant will no longer have instructional duties at the university." Officials emphasised the institution's commitment to academic freedom and ensuring students receive an education free from a lecturer's "impermissible evaluative standards."
The decision followed what the university described as "repeated and detailed conversations" with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.
National Reaction and Legal Fallout
The case attracted significant national attention. Fulnecky received a Citation of Recognition from the Oklahoma House of Representatives' 98th District for "speaking from a foundation of truth." Representative Gabe Woolley, who presented the award, later celebrated Curth's removal, criticising the employment of someone who "rejects the fundamental biological reality that there are two genders" at a public university.
However, the decision has its critics. The university's chapter of the American Association of University Professors accused the administration of hiding behind vague statements and inflaming the situation by making an employment decision public. Meanwhile, Curth's attorney, Brittany Stewart, announced plans to appeal, stating her client denies any arbitrary behaviour and is considering all legal remedies.
The university maintains it is committed to teaching students "how to think, not what to think" and will review training practices to ensure instructors can assess work objectively without limiting their ability to teach and inspire.
