Mel Curth, a graduate instructor at the University of Oklahoma, was dismissed from her position following a grading incident involving a student's essay that opposed the concept of multiple genders based on biblical interpretation. The student, Samantha Fulnecky, submitted the essay in late November, arguing that societal acceptance of diverse gender identities is detrimental to youth.

The university initiated an investigation after Fulnecky claimed religious discrimination in response to receiving a failing grade. The university concluded that Curth's grading was arbitrary and inconsistent with academic standards. Curth's feedback indicated that Fulnecky's essay failed to adequately address the assignment prompt and relied heavily on personal beliefs rather than empirical evidence.

Fulnecky’s essay contained statements labeling the acceptance of multiple genders as 'demonic' and suggested that children would face fewer gender-related issues if raised with a strict binary understanding of gender. Curth's response emphasized the offensive nature of these claims and pointed out inconsistencies within Fulnecky's arguments.

In the aftermath, Oklahoma state officials, including Ryan Walters, the state schools superintendent, and state Representative Gabe Woolley, expressed support for Fulnecky, framing her actions as a defense of religious beliefs. Woolley criticized the university's decision to dismiss Curth, arguing that individuals who reject binary gender concepts should not hold educational roles in human sciences. The university clarified that Fulnecky's grade would not impact her final course outcome, acknowledging the complexities of academic grading and the influence of personal belief systems in educational contexts.