Oklahoma student Says Teacher Failed Her Over Bible Citation
Oklahoma student Says Teacher Failed Her Over Bible Citation
A University of Oklahoma student is raising concerns about academic fairness and religious discrimination after she says she received a failing grade on an essay because she referenced the Bible to support her perspective.
According to The Oklahoman, student Samantha Fulnecky was assigned a 650-word reflective essay in her psychology class. The task required students to respond to an article exploring how society perceives individuals through the lens of traditional gender expectations. The assignment encouraged personal reflection, prompting students to share their own viewpoints and interpretations of the topic.
Fulnecky wrote from her Christian worldview, arguing that gender roles are not simply cultural “stereotypes” but reflect an intentional design. In her essay, she stated, “God made male and female and made us differently from each other on purpose and for a purpose. God is very intentional with what He makes, and I believe trying to change that would only do more harm.”
However, Fulnecky says her submission was quickly met with a failing grade. Her professor’s feedback allegedly stated that religious references were not appropriate for the assignment. Fulnecky argues that she met the academic requirements and was penalized solely for incorporating a faith-based viewpoint.
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The situation has ignited debate on campus and online, with many questioning how universities handle assignments involving personal beliefs especially when topics intersect with culture, identity, and ethics. Supporters say the student was merely expressing her perspective in a reflective essay, while critics argue that academic writing should rely on scholarly evidence rather than religious texts.
In response to the grade, Fulnecky filed a formal complaint with the university, asserting that students should not be punished for drawing on their deeply held convictions. She maintains that the instructions allowed for personal reflection and that her religious viewpoint was relevant to how she perceives gender and identity.
While the University of Oklahoma has not yet released a public statement, the case has gained traction among free-speech and religious liberty advocates. They argue that in higher education an environment that often emphasizes diversity and inclusion students should be free to express their beliefs, including those rooted in faith, as long as the work fulfills academic expectations.
Fulnecky says she will continue to appeal the grade and hopes the situation encourages universities nationwide to uphold students’ constitutional rights and protect religious expression in academic spaces.
Content Credit: Moyosola Oni
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