The University of Oklahoma is currently investigating a controversy surrounding a graduate student instructor and a student’s assignment grade related to a biblical reference. The situation arose when Samantha Fulnecky, a graduate student, received a zero on her psychology assignment, which she argues was unfairly graded due to her inclusion of a Bible reference.
Claims of Discrimination and Aftermath
Fulnecky filed a complaint alleging that her assignment was discriminated against because it involved religious content. She maintains that she deserved a higher grade based on her previous performance, where she had consistently received high marks on similar assignments.
Details of the Assignment
The assignment in question required a minimum of 650 words and was graded on a 25-point scale based on several criteria:
- Alignment with the assigned article (10 points)
- Thoughtful reaction or response (10 points)
- Clarity of writing (5 points)
Fulnecky stated that while she did not provide a specific citation from the Bible, she was following assignment guidelines that encouraged personal reflection based on prior experiences.
Instructor Feedback
The instructor’s evaluation indicated that Fulnecky’s paper contradicted assignment requirements and relied too heavily on personal ideology. A second instructor supported the original grading decision.
University’s Response
In a statement, the University of Oklahoma emphasized its commitment to First Amendment rights, including freedom of religion. Upon receiving the complaint, the administration conducted a review and reached out to Fulnecky to address her concerns promptly.
Actions taken by the university included:
- Excluding the contested assignments from the final grade calculation, amounting to only 3% of the overall course score.
- Placing the graduate instructor on administrative leave during the ongoing investigation.
- Assigning a full-time professor to oversee the course for the remainder of the semester.
Next Steps
The case highlights ongoing debates around academic freedom and religious expression in educational settings. The outcome of the investigation will determine any further actions involving the instructor and the policies at play in such situations.
As this situation develops, it underlines the necessity for clear guidelines in educational assignments that respect diverse beliefs while maintaining academic standards. El-Balad will continue to monitor the situation for updates.
