University of Oklahoma Instructor Placed on Leave Following Grading Controversy

A graduate instructor at the University of Oklahoma, identifying as transgender, has been put on administrative leave after giving a failing grade to a student over a psychology assignment. The student’s essay included biblical references to support the view that there are only two genders, calling the notion of multiple genders a “lie.”

In her submission, the student also criticized gender stereotypes, arguing they contradict God’s plan. After assigning a failing grade, the instructor, Mel Curth, a biological male who uses she/they pronouns, said the essay prioritized personal beliefs over factual evidence and didn’t adhere to the assignment guidelines, labeling some of its language as offensive.

This event, which occurred last month, gained attention after the Turning Point USA chapter at the university shared it on Thanksgiving. The university confirmed Curth’s leave of absence in response to a discrimination complaint filed by the student on religious grounds.

The student, Samantha Fulnecky, 20, reported receiving zero points on her 650-word assignment, which was worth 25 points and constituted 3% of her overall grade. The assignment required a response to a study about gender norms in relation to bullying among middle school students.

“God created men in the image of His courage and strength, and women in the image of His beauty…” Fulnecky wrote in her essay, as reported by The Oklahoman.

“It frustrates me when I see so many conforming to popular opinions to avoid conflict. I think that’s a cowardly way to live,” she continued.

Curth later explained her reasoning for the failing grade, stating that Fulnecky’s paper failed to address assignment questions, contradicted itself, and relied heavily on personal ideology instead of empirical data, describing some assertions as offensive.

“While everyone is entitled to their beliefs, there’s a proper context for expressing them. I encourage students to challenge course materials with empirical evidence, but using personal opinions against well-established psychological findings isn’t constructive,” the instructor noted.

“Disagreement doesn’t invalidate the fact that major psychological and medical associations recognize that gender is not strictly binary or fixed,” Curth added.

The university later confirmed Curth was placed on paid leave while the investigation into Fulnecky’s discrimination complaint takes place. They stated that the zero score would not affect Fulnecky’s final grade or academic record.

“OU is committed to fairness and respecting every student’s right to their sincerely held beliefs,” the university communicated in an email on Wednesday, expressing concern over the instructor’s perceived bias and lack of professionalism in grading. They praised Fulnecky for standing up for her beliefs.

Turning Point USA supported Fulnecky, asserting that such a teaching approach is inappropriate for students.

“We at Turning Point OU stand with Samantha. Students shouldn’t have to deal with professors who display such bias,” the organization stated in a post on social media.

Fulnecky defended her arguments in her assignment, referencing biblical scriptures about the roles of men and women. She indicated that following these roles, even if considered stereotypes, aligns with her beliefs about the gifts God granted her.

The investigation regarding Fulnecky’s complaint is still ongoing.