URGENT UPDATE: A graduate teaching assistant at the University of Oklahoma (OU) has been dismissed after issuing a failing grade to a student for referencing the Bible in a psychology essay. This decisive action was announced on December 22, 2025, amid allegations of religious discrimination.
In a significant development, the university confirmed that Samantha Fulnecky received a zero on her essay after Mel Curth, her instructor, criticized her for relying on personal and religious beliefs to challenge the assignment’s conclusions. Despite guidelines permitting students to question the article’s premises, Fulnecky’s grade was deemed arbitrary by university officials following a review of Curth’s grading practices.
The incident unfolded when Fulnecky submitted a roughly 650-word essay on gender roles. Curth’s evaluation, which included a zero score, claimed Fulnecky failed to adhere to the assignment criteria, labeling parts of her work as offensive. A second instructor supported this grading decision, but Fulnecky contested it through the university’s grade appeals process, ultimately leading to the removal of the assignment from her overall grade.
OU officials stated, “A student’s claim of religious discrimination… has come to resolution,” confirming that the grade appeal favored Fulnecky and resulted in no academic harm.
The fallout has been significant. Turning Point USA, the university’s conservative student group, reported that the second instructor involved was placed on leave after encouraging protests against Curth’s removal and offering to excuse absences for participants.
Curth, who identifies as transgender, intends to appeal the university’s decision. Her attorney, Brittany Stewart, stated, “Ms. Curth continues to deny that she engaged in any arbitrary behavior regarding the student’s work.” Curth is weighing all legal options as the situation unfolds.
This incident has raised critical discussions about academic freedom and the role of religious expression in educational settings. As the university navigates the implications of this case, it remains to be seen how it will impact policies and practices regarding grading and student expression.
Stay tuned as more details emerge regarding this developing story.
