An Oklahoma college student failed her gender studies paper. Now Turning Point is championing her academic struggle.

A junior at the University of Oklahoma claims she faced discrimination due to her religious beliefs after failing an essay in her gender studies class. Turning Point USA has now become involved in her pursuit of "academic freedom," turning the story into a national debate.

Samantha Fulnecky received an F on a psychology essay and subsequently filed a complaint against her instructor, Mel Curth, who uses she/they pronouns. The local chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit founded by Charlie Kirk, shared Fulnecky's essay and the instructor's feedback online, criticizing the grading.

Turning Point OU stated in a social media post: We should not be letting mentally ill professors around students. The incident sparked widespread discussion online. Some social media users criticized Fulnecky for failing to meet assignment requirements, lack of sources, and digressing from the prompt. Others hailed her as a defender of religious freedom and criticized the instructor, claiming the case involves First Amendment issues.

Fulnecky's assignment required a 650-word response to a psychology article on gender norms and their impact on middle school students' mental health. In her essay, she frequently referenced the Bible and emphasized her religious perspective, arguing that eliminating gender distinctions would go against God's design. She also asserted that traditional gender roles reflect divine intention rather than societal pressure.

Instructor Curth explained that the failing grade was based on academic criteria, including failure to address the assignment questions, heavy reliance on personal ideology over empirical evidence, and content considered offensive. Curth emphasized that while Fulnecky is entitled to her beliefs, psychology relies on research and evidence, noting that major U.S. psychological and medical associations recognize that sex and gender are not strictly binary or fixed.

Another course instructor, Megan Waldron, supported the grade, stating that Fulnecky's essay did not meet assignment standards and lacked sufficient empirical references.

Turning Point OU criticized the instructor and higher education, stating that professors should not let personal biases affect grading and praising Fulnecky for defending her beliefs. Fulnecky claimed she received zero points for expressing her religious views.

The University of Oklahoma said it is reviewing the case through a formal grade appeals process, investigating the discrimination claim, and placed the instructor on leave. The university emphasized its commitment to fairness, respect, and protecting students' rights to express sincerely held religious beliefs.

Conservative voices, including former President Donald Trump, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and state lawmakers, expressed support for Fulnecky. They highlighted potential First Amendment concerns and stressed that students should not face academic penalties for their religious convictions. Online reactions remain divided, with some criticizing Fulneckys essay quality and others condemning her statements on gender.

Author: Lucas Grant