A grading dispute in an Oklahoma University psychology course has caused a broader debate about infringements on the First Amendment Right and the academic grading over an essay.
Junior Oklahoma University student, Samantha Fulnecky filed a complaint with the University of Oklahoma administration after receiving a failing grade on an assignment from her instructor, Mel Curth, in Developmental Psychology.
The assignment given by the instructor was a 650-word response to an academic study that examined whether conformity with gender stereotypes was associated with popularity or bullying among middle school students. Fulnecky’s failing grade along with the consequences placed on her instructor have sparked massive controversy online.
Following Fulnecky’s complaint, the university administration placed Professor Curth on leave while the matter was reviewed.
“She could’ve done better with the writing, there were so many grammar mistakes, and it doesn’t make sense to believe that the grading was an attack on the person’s belief,” stated sophomore Joshua Vasquez.
Fulnecky’s essay included her opinion about gender identity and its impact on children, using Bible verses to support her argument.
According to Professor Curth’s requirements, Fulnecky’s essay did not meet the assigned criteria, being based on religious opinions rather than analyzing the text.
Fulnecky argued that her beliefs were unfairly targeted and that her paper was graded with bias.
“I understand Professor Curth’s grading. If you follow the grading rubric, Fulnecky’s beliefs weren’t targeted; her evidence wasn’t used correctly,” stated sophomore Grey Luke.
“The First Amendment is our freedom of speech and we get to say what we want. But, the professor has the right to grade her based on the rubric,” shared sophomore Agampreet Kaur,
Fulnecky’s essay argued that “society pushing the lie that there are multiple genders” is “demonic and severely harms Americans.”
Professor Curth urged Fulnecky to “apply some more perspective and empathy” in her future work.
“Professors like this are the very reason conservatives can’t voice their beliefs in the classroom,” claimed Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group.
University officials have sent out a statement regarding the lecturer’s actions as “inappropriate and wrong” not to teach students “how to think, not what to think.”
“The TA has never had a problem with how I write my papers in this class. So, it has nothing to do with the title, grammar, how I write, or anything like that,” stated Samatha Fulnecky.
Despite the criticism affecting Curth, Megan Waldron, an additional professor working with Curth defends Curth’s grading since the assignment required students “support [their] ideas with empirical evidence and higher-level reasoning.”
At this time, the university has not announced whether Curth will return to teaching duties or if Fulnecky’s grade will be looked at to determine if it deserved the low grading score. The review is ongoing, and the essay is only creating division between a broader discussion about ideologies.
