A controversy over a failing grade on a university essay has escalated into a significant dispute involving allegations of religious discrimination, leading to an instructor being placed on leave. The incident at the University of Oklahoma highlights the ongoing cultural battles on college campuses.
The Essay and the Failing Grade
Samantha Fulnecky, a junior at the University of Oklahoma, received a failing grade on a psychology assignment. The task required students to react to an article about gender stereotypes in middle school students and their impact on mental health.
In her paper, Fulnecky anchored her argument primarily in Christian doctrine and the Bible. She wrote that "Women naturally want to do womanly things because God created us with those womanly desires in our hearts." She further stated that societal acceptance of multiple genders is "demonic."
Instructor Mel Curth gave the essay a zero. In feedback, Curth clarified that points were not deducted for the student's beliefs, but because the paper did not address the assigned reading, contained contradictions and offensive comments, and lacked empirical evidence.
Complaint, Reaction, and Escalation
Fulnecky filed a formal grade complaint and also reported an allegation of illegal discrimination based on her religious beliefs. The university confirmed it is conducting a full review of the situation, stating it takes "seriously concerns involving First Amendment rights, certainly including religious freedoms." Pending this review, the instructor was placed on administrative leave.
The university's chapter of the conservative group Turning Point USA (TPUSA) brought national attention to the case. In a social media post, TPUSA criticized the instructor and framed the event as evidence that conservatives cannot voice their beliefs in classrooms. The post included inflammatory remarks about the instructor's gender identity.
The situation drew commentary from Oklahoma's Republican Governor, Kevin Stitt. On social media, he called the situation "deeply concerning" and urged university regents to ensure other students are not unfairly penalized for their beliefs.
Broader Context of Campus Culture Wars
This incident is the latest in a long-standing conflict where colleges are frequent targets in right-wing culture wars. A common narrative among Republicans and conservative activists is that their viewpoints are stifled in academic settings.
This sentiment was amplified during the Trump administration, which pressured universities to abandon diversity initiatives and threatened funding. Concurrently, federal actions targeted transgender rights, including defining sex as binary and attempting to ban trans people from military service. The Department of Justice also launched a task force focused on alleged anti-Christian bias in public institutions.
Neither the University of Oklahoma, Instructor Mel Curth, nor Turning Point USA responded to media requests for comment on the unfolding situation.