Appeal from Fired TA After Grading Controversy at University of Oklahoma

A teaching assistant at the University of Oklahoma has been dismissed after giving a failing grade to a Christian student who referenced the Bible in an assignment. This decision has stirred considerable public controversy, with the TA now appealing the university’s action.

Brittany Stewart, who identifies as a civil rights lawyer, is representing William “Mel” Kurth. Kurth awarded student Samantha Hrnecki a zero out of 25 points on an assignment related to gender norms. Stewart stated that Kurth has filed an appeal, claiming violations of the student’s religious freedom and suggests the grading was both arbitrary and capricious.

According to Stewart, Kurth denies any discriminatory behavior. He argues that the investigation into the situation was flawed and overlooked key aspects of the incident. New evidence, as mentioned by Stewart, reportedly casts doubt on the investigation’s findings, although she hasn’t detailed what this new evidence entails.

The assignment had asked students to analyze a paper exploring gender norms among adolescents. Kurth, who uses they/them pronouns, instructed students to engage thoughtfully with the content.

Hrnecki, a third-year student, expressed her viewpoint that gender norms don’t necessarily equate to stereotypes. She supported her argument by quoting Genesis, suggesting that men and women were created with unique purposes by God.

Kurth, responding to Hrnecki’s paper, highlighted that her submission did not adequately address the assignment’s criteria. He criticized the paper for its contradiction and for leaning more on personal beliefs rather than scientific evidence. Kurth’s statement asserted that the essay was at times offensive and pointed out that the assignment required a thoughtful, evidence-based discussion on the themes presented in the course material.

Despite three defined criteria for grading—linking the paper to the assigned article, offering a thoughtful analysis rather than a summary, and clarity of writing—Hrnecki contended that none stipulated a requirement for empirical evidence.

After receiving her grade, Hrnecki filed a formal complaint for religious discrimination, leading to Kurth being placed on administrative leave while the university conducted an investigation. On December 22, the university announced Kurth’s termination, citing arbitrary grading practices not aligned with his previous standards.

In light of the circumstances, Stewart has argued that the situation is politically motivated, indicating Kurth has become a target within a larger movement aimed at marginalizing LGBTQ individuals in academia. She insists that Kurth is committed to standing against these allegations and has been misunderstood.