The University of Oklahoma has announced the removal of graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth from instructional duties following an investigation into arbitrary grading in the university's essay controversy. The decision, made public on 22 December 2025, stems from a student's claim of religious discrimination after receiving a zero on a psychology essay that cited the Bible to argue against multiple genders.
The case has attracted national attention, sparking debates on academic freedom and free speech. Samantha Fulnecky, the student involved, had her grade appeal upheld, with the assignment excluded from her final mark.
