A transgender graduate teaching assistant at the University of Oklahoma has been dismissed from her instructional role following a controversy over a student's faith-based essay on gender, which went viral online.
The Controversial Assignment and Response
The incident began in late November when Samantha Fulnecky, a 20-year-old junior, submitted an essay for a psychology course. The assignment required a 650-word response to an academic article about gender norms and their link to popularity or bullying in middle school.
In her paper, Fulnecky presented a biblical argument, stating she does not believe there are more than two genders because "that is how God made us." She further wrote that societal promotion of multiple genders is "demonic and severely harms American youth." Fulnecky concluded that children would face fewer gender issues if raised knowing they "belong to the Lord."
Grading Dispute and Instructor's Feedback
The course instructor, graduate student Mel Curth, who uses she/they pronouns, failed the essay. In feedback provided to Fulnecky, Curth stated the student neglected the prompt, relied on "personal ideology" over "empirical evidence," and made assertions that were "at times offensive."
Curth specifically took issue with the term "demonic," calling it highly offensive towards a minoritized group. The instructor also pointed out contradictions in the essay's argument regarding gender stereotypes and norms.
University Investigation and Outcome
After the essay and the failing grade sparked widespread backlash online, the University of Oklahoma launched an investigation into Fulnecky's claims of religious discrimination. By early December, the university had already ruled that the failed essay would not impact Fulnecky's final grade.
On Monday, December 22, the university released a statement announcing Curth's removal. The statement said, "Based on an examination of the graduate teaching assistant’s own statements... it was determined that the graduate teaching assistant was arbitrary in the grading of this specific paper. The graduate teaching assistant will no longer have instructional duties at the university." Curth had initially been placed on leave.
Political Reactions and Recognition
The case drew sharp political reactions. Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's conservative state schools superintendent, praised Fulnecky as "an American hero" for confronting what he called the "war on Christianity."
Additionally, Oklahoma state representative Gabe Woolley presented Fulnecky with a "citation of recognition." In a scathing response to Curth's firing, Woolley wrote, "This was the right decision. As I said from the beginning, this individual should never have been employed at a public university... when he rejects the fundamental biological reality that there are two genders."
The firing highlights the ongoing, intense national debate over gender identity, religious expression, and academic freedom within university settings.
