Oklahoma teacher placed on leave for failing Bible-based gender essay

An educator at the University of Oklahoma has been temporarily removed from duties following a students complaint that her essay, which referenced the Bible to oppose the concept of multiple genders, resulted in a failing score. The student, 20-year-old Samantha Fulnecky, submitted a formal grievance, escalating ongoing national tensions around campus speech, religious expression, and academic expectations.

In a statement, the university emphasized its commitment to maintaining respect, fairness, and the protection of students religious viewpoints. Officials assured that the disputed grade, representing 3% of Fulneckys final score, would not affect her academic standing while the investigation proceeds.

The assignment, part of a lifespan development psychology course, required a 650-word reflection on research analyzing whether adherence to gender norms impacts popularity or bullying among middle school students. Fulnecky wrote that she rejected the premise of the article based on her religious understanding, describing claims of multiple gender identities as harmful to youth and contrary to Gods design.

Fulnecky later stated that she expected a top grade, noting that her previous submissions had earned full marks. Some critics pointed out that she did not reference specific biblical passages, though she responded that the instructions allowed students to draw from personal belief and experience rather than strict religious citation.

The grading rubric allocated 25 points based on comprehension of the study and clear engagement with its argument. Fulnecky received zero. In written feedback, the instructor stated that her response did not address the assigned questions, relied on personal ideology instead of academic evidence, and included language deemed offensive in a scientific context. A second instructor affirmed the initial grading decision.

The situation has drawn attention from conservative advocacy groups and state officials, who argue that viewpoints rooted in faith are being penalized in higher education. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt labeled the incident troubling and urged university leadership to ensure students are not academically punished for holding specific beliefs.

The controversy follows other national disputes in which instructors have faced scrutiny over classroom discussions on gender identity, freedom of speech, and curriculum boundaries. Supporters and critics alike contend that the balance between academic standards and protected expression remains a central, unresolved challenge on U.S. campuses.

Author: Natalie Monroe