An instructor at the University of Oklahoma has been placed on leave after a student received a failing grade on a Bible-based essay discussing gender. The paper argued that belief in multiple genders was “demonic,” prompting a complaint that has sparked nationwide debate over academic freedom, as quoted by the Associated Press.The student, Samantha Fulnecky, 20, filed a formal complaint with the university administration, highlighting concerns that her sincerely held religious beliefs had been penalised in a psychology class on lifespan development, the Associated Press reported. The assignment required students to write a 650-word response analysing an academic study on whether conformity with gender norms affects popularity or bullying among middle school students.University response and investigationOU officials stated in an email that the failing grade, which accounted for 3% of Fulnecky’s final mark, would not affect her academic standing. “OU remains firmly committed to fairness, respect and protecting every student’s right to express sincerely held religious beliefs,” the university wrote, as quoted by the Associated Press.The instructor reportedly graded the paper out of 25 points and gave Fulnecky zero, citing that the essay did not answer the assignment questions, “contradicts itself, heavily uses personal ideology over empirical evidence in a scientific class, and is at times offensive,” the Associated Press reported. A contact for the instructor was not immediately available.Student perspective and conservative groupsFulnecky told the Associated Press she felt frustrated with the premise of the study because it conflicted with her interpretation of the Bible. “Society pushing the lie that there are multiple genders and everyone should be whatever they want to be is demonic and severely harms American youth,” she said.The university complaint quickly drew attention after Turning Point USA, a conservative group founded by Charlie Kirk, shared Fulnecky’s experience on X. “Professors like this are the very reason conservatives can’t voice their beliefs in the classroom,” the group posted, as quoted by the Associated Press.Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt also commented on X, calling the situation “deeply concerning” and urging OU regents to ensure other students are not unfairly penalised, the Associated Press reported.Broader context of free speech and academic debateThe case comes amid broader tensions on U.S. campuses, where academic freedom, diversity initiatives, and teaching on race, gender, and sexuality have become highly politicised under President Trump. Similar controversies have occurred at other universities, including Texas A&M, where a professor faced dismissal over classroom discussions on gender identity, the Associated Press reported.The OU administration continues to investigate Fulnecky’s complaint while emphasising the importance of both academic standards and the protection of students’ rights to express their religious beliefs.
