A growing controversy at the University of Oklahoma has prompted a faculty group to demand stronger protections for instructors. The university's chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has launched a petition after a graduate teaching assistant was placed on administrative leave following a student's complaint about a failed essay.
The dispute centers on allegations of religious discrimination and has ignited a campus-wide debate over the boundaries of academic freedom, grading standards, and the university's responsibility to its teaching staff.
Key Takeaways
- A University of Oklahoma graduate teaching assistant, Mel Curth, was placed on administrative leave.
- The action followed a complaint from a student who claimed her essay, which referenced the Bible, was failed due to religious discrimination.
- The university's AAUP chapter has started a petition demanding President Joseph Harroz Jr. defend academic freedom and reinstate the instructor.
- The petition has gathered significant support and highlights concerns about targeted harassment of instructors.
The Grading Dispute That Sparked a Campus Debate
The situation began earlier this month when Mel Curth, a graduate student instructor, was suspended from their teaching duties. The university's action came after a formal complaint was filed by Samantha Fulnecky, a junior at the institution.
Fulnecky reported that she believed Curth had illegally discriminated against her religious beliefs. The basis for her claim was a failing grade she received on an essay that incorporated references to the Bible. University officials confirmed that Curth was placed on leave pending an investigation into the matter.
What is Academic Freedom?
Academic freedom is the principle that allows faculty and instructors to teach and discuss material in their area of expertise without fear of censorship or retaliation. It is considered a cornerstone of higher education, enabling open inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. The AAUP's 1940 Statement of Principles is a foundational document on this topic in the United States.
Faculty Organizes in Defense of Instructor
In response to the suspension, the University of Oklahoma's chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) took swift action. The group organized an online petition through Action Network, directly addressing OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. and the university's leadership.
The petition calls on the administration to publicly defend its instructors and uphold its stated commitment to academic freedom. The faculty group argues that the university's handling of the situation has left its teaching staff vulnerable.
"OU’s failure to stand up for its expressed commitment to academic freedom or defend the instructor from targeted harassment reveals the need for faculty, staff, students, and the wider community to unite in defense of our university and shared values," the petition states.
The document outlines several specific demands for the university. These include reinstating Curth, issuing a public statement in support of academic freedom, and developing clearer policies to protect instructors from what they describe as bad-faith complaints.
Petition Gains Momentum
The call to action has resonated within the academic community. As of Tuesday, the petition had already surpassed the halfway mark of its initial goal of 400 signatures. The OU AAUP chapter has stated its intention to deliver the signed petition to President Harroz before the upcoming holiday break.
Key Demands from the AAUP Petition
- Immediately reinstate the graduate instructor.
- Issue a public statement affirming the university's commitment to academic freedom.
- Develop clear procedures to protect instructors from targeted harassment and unsubstantiated complaints.
- Ensure instructors are not penalized for exercising their professional judgment in grading.
This petition is one of several efforts emerging in support of Curth. The case has drawn attention both on and off campus, with discussions focusing on the delicate balance between student rights and the professional autonomy of educators.
Underlying Tensions and Allegations
Adding another layer to the controversy, some supporters of Curth have raised concerns that the complaint may have been motivated by the instructor's identity. Curth is transgender and uses she/they pronouns. Critics have suggested that the complaint could be part of a targeted effort against the instructor.
However, the student who filed the report, Samantha Fulnecky, has stated that she was not aware of Curth’s gender identity. In a comment to News 9, she explained that her interactions with the instructor had been minimal, and her complaint was based solely on her belief that her work was graded unfairly due to its religious content.
The university has not commented on the specifics of the investigation, citing privacy concerns. As the petition continues to gather signatures, the OU community awaits a formal response from the administration on an issue that strikes at the heart of the university's educational mission.
