A graduate assistant at the University of Oklahoma has been placed on administrative leave amid accusations of religious discrimination. The controversy began after Samantha Fulnecky, a student at the university, received a failing grade for an essay that primarily referenced Biblical teachings on gender roles instead of the assigned material for her psychology class.
The assignment called for students to write a response to an article discussing societal gender perceptions. Fulnecky's submission, however, largely bypassed the article's content, focusing instead on religious perspectives. In her 650-word essay, she stated her belief that accepting multiple genders is harmful to children, a viewpoint she tied to her religious convictions.
The graduate assistant who taught the course, Mel Curth, who uses "she/they" pronouns, justified the failing grade by pointing out Fulnecky's deviation from the assignment's requirements. Curth critiqued the essay for its lack of "empirical evidence" and proper citation. Moreover, Curth and a second instructor, Megan Waldron, expressed concerns over the potentially offensive nature of Fulnecky's language, particularly her use of the word "demonic" to describe those who accept multiple genders.
The university responded to the incident by placing the graduate student instructor on leave and releasing a statement regarding the investigation into the claims of discrimination based on religious beliefs. As the investigation is ongoing, the university has not disclosed whether both Curth and Waldron have been removed from their positions.
This case has ignited a debate over academic freedom, religious expression, and the boundaries of acceptable discourse in educational settings. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of students to adhere to academic guidelines and the extent to which personal beliefs can be incorporated into scholarly work. The incident has caught the attention of multiple stakeholders, from civil liberties advocates to religious organizations, and continues to unfold as the University of Oklahoma investigates the matter.
