• A University of Oklahoma graduate teaching assistant was fired after giving a zero to a student for a Bible-based essay on gender.
• The university determined that the grading was "arbitrary" and not aligned with academic standards.
• The case has stirred debates on academic freedom and religious discrimination, involving commentary from conservative groups.
• Oklahoma's governor expressed concern over the incident, prompting discussions around free speech in education.
• Legal actions may follow as the instructor denies any wrongdoing in her grading.

The University of Oklahoma has removed graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth from her teaching duties after she awarded a failing grade to student Samantha Fulnecky for an essay that cited the Bible and argued against the concept of multiple genders. The university stated that its internal investigation found Curth's grading to be “arbitrary,” prompting her removal. The essay, submitted as part of a psychology course, provoked a national response concerning religious discrimination and academic standards, according to Reuters, LA Times, and India Times.

Fulnecky's assignment centered around an academic study regarding gender norms, where she expressed her views against the notion of multiple genders based on her religious beliefs, labeling these views as “demonic.” Curth, who identifies as transgender, gave the assignment a score of zero, noting that it was based on personal ideology rather than empirical evidence and did not adequately address the assignment’s requirements. The university maintained that instructors are expected to evaluate students based on academic criteria free from personal biases, as stated in their communication, according to Reuters and LA Times.

The situation escalated into a national discussion after conservative groups began advocating for Fulnecky, claiming her case highlighted the suppression of conservative Christian views within academic environments. PROMINENT groups like Turning Point USA shared Fulnecky’s essay online, which contributed to significant media attention. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt described the case as “deeply concerning,” indicating potential political influence on the academic discourse surrounding such incidents, according to India Times and LA Times.

Curth's attorney, Brittany Stewart, emphasized that her client is exploring legal options and has denied the accusations of arbitrary grading. This incident occurs amidst a larger political discourse in Oklahoma regarding academic freedom, particularly regarding laws passed that limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state universities. Legal experts and educators have raised concerns that such political pressures could undermine academic rigor and independence, as highlighted by advocacy organizations, according to Reuters and India Times.