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OU Investigates Zero on Bible-Citing Essay as TA Is Removed and National Attention Grows

University leaders are investigating whether the failing mark reflected discrimination.

University of Oklahoma student Samantha Fulnecky expressed her concerns after her essay, part of a 2000-level psychology class, was graded zero for including religious references. "My main goal is to encourage other Christians to stand up for their beliefs," the 20-year-old said. (SUE OGROCKI/AP FILE)
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Overview

  • The University of Oklahoma opened a review after junior Samantha Fulnecky received 0 out of 25 on a psychology reaction paper and placed the graduate teaching assistant on administrative leave, with a full-time professor now leading the course.
  • OU said the assignment will not affect Fulnecky’s final grade during the investigation, and the internal grade-appeal process is underway.
  • Fulnecky filed a religious-discrimination complaint after her essay, which described belief in multiple genders as “demonic” and drew on the Bible, was marked as off-prompt and lacking empirical support.
  • The assignment required a roughly 650-word response to an academic study on gender typicality and peer relations; reporting indicates a second instructor reviewed and agreed with the failing assessment under the rubric.
  • The case went viral after posts by the campus Turning Point USA chapter, prompting statements from Gov. Kevin Stitt and U.S. Sens. Tim Scott and Markwayne Mullin, and a campus march to “protect our educators” is planned for Friday.