At a Glance
- Graduate teaching assistant at University of Oklahoma removed from teaching after zero grade on a student’s paper.
- Student Samantha Fulnecky alleges religious discrimination because the essay referenced the Bible.
- University investigation found grading was arbitrary and inconsistent with prior standards.
- Why it matters: The decision highlights tensions between academic freedom and faculty accountability in higher education.
Samantha Fulnecky’s psychology paper, which was supposed to respond to a 2013 research article, instead leaned heavily on biblical references and contained numerous grammatical errors. The University of Oklahoma’s graduate teaching assistant, Mel Curth, gave the paper a zero. Fulnecky claimed the grade reflected religious bias.
The Controversial Essay
The assignment required an essay responding to Relations among gender typicality, peer relations, and mental health during early adolescence. Fulnecky’s submission:
- Referred to the Bible without citing specific verses.
- Did not mention the research article’s title or content.
- Contained many punctuation and grammatical mistakes.
Mel Curth said in her feedback that the zero was not due to the student’s personal beliefs but to the errors:
> “The zero grade was based on numerous errors made in the paper, not the personal beliefs expressed.”
Samantha Fulnecky defended her work:
> “I think I should’ve gotten a 100. I’ve gotten a 100 on every single essay I’ve written in that class.”
Fulnecky filed a grade appeal, claiming religious discrimination. The appeal was granted, removing the zero from her overall grade.
University Investigation
The university’s provost and academic dean examined the case. Their statement said:
- The grading was arbitrary compared to prior standards.
- The assistant’s own statements were inconsistent with the grading.
The assistant was removed from instructional duties. No further findings from the discrimination investigation were released.
Student and Public Response
Fulnecky reached out to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and the university’s chapter of Turning Point USA, drawing national attention. The American Association of University Professors’ Oklahoma chapter petitioned the university, urging better protection of academic freedom.
| Issue | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Grading | Zero grade | Removed after appeal |
| Investigation | Arbitrary grading | Assistant removed |
| Petition | Call for academic freedom | Ongoing debate |
Key Takeaways
- The assistant will no longer teach at the University of Oklahoma.
- The student’s zero grade was overturned after an appeal citing religious discrimination.
- The case has sparked a national debate on academic freedom and faculty accountability.
The incident underscores the delicate balance universities must maintain between upholding academic standards and protecting students from perceived bias.
