Expressing Biblical Beliefs

In the past, we have written about Christians who have been penalized by government institutions because of their faith. (For example, see Here and Here.) Now, we see that a University of Oklahoma student received a failing grade for expressing biblical beliefs. Samantha Fulnecky, a junior pre-med student, was assigned to read and give her opinion on an article dealing with “gender binary and mental health issues and gender stereotypes in early adolescence.” Her task was to give a thoughtful discussion of the article.

The grading standard for the assignment included three criteria totaling 25 points. Up to 10 points could be awarded for “does the paper show a clear tie-in to the assigned article?” The other 10 points depended on whether the paper presented a thoughtful reaction or response to the article rather than a summary. Finally, five points could be given for the clarity of the writing. The graduate teaching assistant who graded Fulnecky’s paper gave her a 0 out of 25.

The assignment required students to share their own subjective opinion on the article, which Ms. Fulnecky did, expressing biblical beliefs. She wrote that “God made male and female and made us differently from each other on purpose and for a purpose.” She also stated that “gender roles and tendencies should not be considered stereotypes.” She declared that “pushing the lie that everyone has their own truth and everyone can do whatever they want and be whoever they want is not biblical whatsoever.”

Her words did not sit well with Mel Curth, the graduate student who graded the paper and who uses she/they pronouns. She/they gave Fulnecky 0 out of 25 possible points and said that she was not showing empathy and was not providing evidence for her statements. Curth also said that the concept of only two sexes is not supported by science.

Samantha Fulnecky said that she thought nothing would have been done “if it had not blown up on social media the way it did.” Due to the attention, the university placed Curth on administrative leave and is supposedly reviewing the situation. To the university’s credit, they appointed a full-time professor as the course instructor for the rest of the semester.

Fulnecky encourages other students to stand up for what they believe. She said, “I would rather have my integrity and give my true opinion and get a zero on an assignment than to have to lie about what I really believe.” This is another example of the challenge to free speech and freedom of religion that are guaranteed in the United States Constitution. More than that, it is a challenge to Christians to not be afraid of expressing biblical beliefs even when it’s not popular or easy.

— Roland Earnst © 2025

Reference: foxnews.com