The University of Oklahoma has terminated a graduate teaching assistant following a controversy over a failing grade given to a student who cited the Bible and described beliefs in multiple genders as 'demonic' in a psychology paper. The university's investigation concluded the instructor acted arbitrarily.
Assignment Sparks National Controversy
The incident began with an assignment in a lifespan development psychology class. Instructor Mel Curth asked students to write a 650-word response to an academic study on gender norms and social dynamics among middle schoolers. Student Samantha Fulnecky, a 20-year-old junior, submitted a paper arguing against the premise of multiple genders based on her Christian faith.
In her essay, Fulnecky wrote that society promoting a 'lie' about multiple genders was 'demonic' and harmed American youth, leading society away from 'God's original plan.' Curth awarded the paper zero points, stating it did not answer the assignment questions, relied on personal ideology over evidence, and was at times offensive. Curth insisted she was not deducting points for the student's beliefs.
University Investigation and Dismissal
After Fulnecky appealed the grade, the university launched an investigation. On Monday, the university posted a statement on X announcing the instructor's removal from teaching duties. The investigation found Curth had been 'arbitrary' in assigning a zero to the paper, which was worth 3% of the final course grade. The university declared the assignment would not count toward Fulnecky's grade.
'The University of Oklahoma believes strongly in both its faculty’s rights to teach with academic freedom and integrity and its students’ right to receive an education that is free from a lecturer’s impermissible evaluative standards,' the statement read. 'We are committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think.'
Legal and Political Repercussions
The case quickly became a flashpoint in broader cultural debates. Conservative groups and commentators amplified the story online, framing it as punishment for conservative Christian views. Oklahoma's conservative Republican Governor, Kevin Stitt, called the situation 'deeply concerning.'
Through her attorney, Brittany Stewart, instructor Mel Curth denied engaging in any arbitrary behavior regarding the student's work. Curth is 'considering all of her legal remedies,' Stewart said in a statement. The controversy intersects with recent state legislation signed by Governor Stitt that prohibits public funds from financing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs or positions at state universities, though the law carves out exceptions for academic freedom.
Fulnecky, whose family is based in the Springfield, Missouri area, could not be reached for comment. Her mother, an attorney and media personality, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the university's action.
