The University of Oklahoma has decided to uphold a student’s final grade after she initially received a zero on an essay concerning gender identity. This incident has sparked claims of religious discrimination and intensified discussions about free speech on college campuses across the United States. In response to the controversy, the university has placed the student’s instructor, Mel Curth, on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.
The case gained significant attention when the university’s chapter of Turning Point USA shared details on social media, generating over 44 million views. Following this, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt publicly urged the university to conduct a thorough inquiry into the situation, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights.
The controversy centers around an essay written by Samantha Fulnecky, a student in a psychology course. She was assigned a 650-word essay to analyze an article on gender, peer relations, and mental health. In her submission, Fulnecky expressed her belief that there are only two genders, using biblical references to argue against the concept of multiple genders. Her essay included statements such as, “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.”
Curth responded to Fulnecky’s essay by stating that while she was entitled to her beliefs, the arguments presented did not adhere to the assignment’s requirements. According to screenshots shared by Turning Point USA, Curth noted that the failing grade was due to the paper’s lack of empirical evidence and its reliance on personal ideology, which she deemed inappropriate for a scientific course. Curth also mentioned that the essay was offensive at times.
The situation is reflective of a broader national dialogue regarding educational institutions and their handling of cultural and ideological issues. Recently, Education Secretary Linda McMahon participated in a White House event titled “Biased Professors, Woke Administrators, and the End of Free Inquiry on U.S. Campuses,” which addressed concerns over what some perceive as ideological bias in higher education.
This incident is not isolated; earlier this year, Texas A&M University faced similar challenges when it terminated an instructor and reassigned department heads following a viral video showing a student accusing a faculty member of promoting “gender ideology.” The president of Texas A&M, Mark A. Welsh, subsequently resigned as a result of the fallout.
The University of Oklahoma’s response highlights its commitment to protecting students’ rights while navigating the complexities of academic freedom and religious expression. An official spokesperson stated, “The University of Oklahoma takes seriously concerns involving First Amendment rights, certainly including religious freedoms.” This statement underscores the institution’s dedication to addressing the matter promptly and transparently.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will influence the ongoing discussions surrounding gender identity and free speech within academic environments. The outcome may have implications not only for the involved parties but also for the broader landscape of higher education in the United States.
