The University of Oklahoma has terminated a graduate teaching assistant following a formal investigation into allegations of religious discrimination. The controversy stemmed from the instructor's decision to award zero points to a student's psychology paper that cited the Bible and described belief in multiple genders as "demonic."
Failing Grade Sparks National Controversy
The university announced the dismissal in a statement posted on Monday, 23 December 2025. Its inquiry concluded that the instructor, Mel Curth, had been "arbitrary" in grading the assignment submitted by 20-year-old junior Samantha Fulnecky. The institution stated Curth had been "removed from teaching" and declined to comment further.
Through her attorney, Brittany Stewart, Curth denied on Tuesday that she had "engaged in any arbitrary behaviour regarding the student’s work." Stewart confirmed Curth is "considering all of her legal remedies" in response to the sacking.
The Essay and the Disputed Feedback
The incident occurred in a lifespan development psychology class. The assignment required a 650-word response to an academic study on gender norms and adolescent social dynamics.
In her essay, Fulnecky argued that societal promotion of multiple genders was "demonic" and strayed from "God’s original plan." She expressed frustration with the assignment's premise, stating her biblical understanding recognised only two genders.
In feedback seen by The Oklahoman, Curth wrote that the paper did "not answer the questions for the assignment," contradicted itself, and relied on "personal ideology" over evidence, noting it "is at times offensive." Curth explicitly stated she was not "deducting points because you have certain beliefs."
Political and Academic Repercussions
The case was swiftly adopted by conservative groups as a cause célèbre, framing it as punishment for expressing Christian views. It has become a flashpoint in the wider national debate over academic freedom, diversity initiatives, and campus discourse on gender and sexuality.
Oklahoma's conservative Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, labelled the situation "deeply concerning." This year, Stitt signed a law prohibiting state universities from using public funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes, though it exempts scholarly research and individual academic freedom.
Following an appeal, the university ruled Fulnecky's assignment, worth 3% of her final grade, would not count. Curth was initially placed on leave before her termination. The university's statement emphasised its commitment to faculty academic freedom and students' right to an education free from "impermissible evaluative standards," adding, "We are committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think."
