A University of Oklahoma instructor has been placed on leave after a student complained about a failing grade she received on a paper that cited the Bible to assert that the belief in multiple genders was 'demonic.'
Samantha Fulnecky, a 20-year-old psychology junior, filed a complaint with the administration, highlighting underlying tensions in the ongoing debate over academic freedom on college campuses. This incident comes amidst a backdrop of President Donald Trump's efforts to end diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, stirring divisions over discussions related to race, gender, and sexuality.
The University emphasized its commitment to fairness and respect for students' religious beliefs, stating that Fulnecky's failing grade—accounting for just 3% of her final mark—would not detrimentally affect her academic standing. An ongoing investigation is examining her discrimination complaint.
Fulnecky's assignment was a response to an academic study about gender norms in middle school environments. She expressed frustration that the study's premise conflicted with her Biblical understanding, arguing that society's push for multiple gender identities is damaging to youth.
The grade was critiqued by the instructor, who noted it did not adequately address the assignment's questions and was biased towards personal ideology rather than empirical evidence.
Fulnecky's situation gained traction after her university's chapter of Turning Point USA shared her story online, prompting concern from Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who is calling for an investigation into the matter. The discourse touches on broader issues, reflecting a growing national conversation about free speech and political influence in educational settings as similar incidents across the country have ignited responses from both sides of the political aisle.
