The University of Oklahoma has confirmed that a student’s final grade will remain unchanged following a contentious incident involving a zero on an essay discussing gender identity. This decision comes amid allegations of religious discrimination, raising significant concerns on college campuses across the United States. The university placed the instructor, Mel Curth, on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.
Officials announced the investigation after the university’s chapter of Turning Point USA shared details of the case on social media, which garnered over 44 million views. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has publicly demanded accountability from the institution, prompting a swift response from university leadership.
In a statement to the Washington Post, a university spokesperson emphasized, “The University of Oklahoma takes seriously concerns involving First Amendment rights, certainly including religious freedoms.” They indicated that upon learning of the grading dispute, the university promptly contacted the student and initiated a thorough review of the situation.
The student at the center of the controversy, Samantha Fulnecky, received a zero on a 650-word essay for a psychology course. The assignment required an analysis of an article on gender, peer relations, and mental health. Fulnecky’s essay rejected the notion of multiple genders and included references to the Bible to support her traditional views on gender roles. She stated, “Society pushing the lie that there are multiple genders and everyone should be whatever they want to be is demonic and severely harms American youth.”
In correspondence shared by Turning Point USA, Curth indicated that while Fulnecky was entitled to her beliefs, her arguments against the article’s findings were not aligned with best practices. The instructor noted that the failing grade was due to the essay not adequately addressing the assignment’s questions and relying heavily on personal ideology rather than empirical evidence. Curth described parts of the essay as “offensive.”
This incident is part of a broader cultural clash in American higher education, where issues of gender identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become focal points for political scrutiny. The Trump administration and various Republican leaders have intensified efforts to reshape higher education by addressing these cultural debates.
On March 13, 2024, Education Secretary Linda McMahon participated in a White House event entitled “Biased Professors, Woke Administrators, and the End of Free Inquiry on U.S. Campuses.” This gathering aimed to address concerns about what some perceive as leftist ideological dominance in higher education.
The situation at the University of Oklahoma is reminiscent of recent events at Texas A&M University, where an instructor was terminated, and a dean and department head were removed following backlash over allegations of promoting “gender ideology.” The university’s president, Mark A. Welsh, resigned shortly thereafter, illustrating the heightened tensions surrounding these issues.
As the investigation into Fulnecky’s case continues, it highlights the ongoing debate over academic freedom, religious expression, and the role of educators in addressing contentious topics. The outcome may have lasting implications for not only the university but also the broader landscape of higher education in the United States.