NORMAN, Okla. –
The University of Oklahoma graduate teaching assistant who was removed from teaching on campus has shared a statement for the first time through her attorney.
Mel Curth’s instructional duties were revoked last week following an illegal discrimination complaint filed by OU junior Samantha Fulnecky. University leadership said the investigation concluded that Curth was “arbitrary” when she failed Fulnecky’s essay about gender roles for a psychology class.
The essay, which referenced the Bible, was criticized heavily nationwide for not fulfilling the assignment’s requirements. Many also accused Fulnecky of using the failed grade to target Curth, who identifies as transgender.
In a statement posted to BlueSky, Brittany Stewart, a civil rights attorney representing Curth, said her client was aware of the removal notification but rejects the university’s claim.
…Ms. Curth continues to deny that she engaged in any arbitrary behavior regarding the student’s work, and is considering all of her legal remedies, including appealing this decision by the University.
In other social media posts, Stewart also said Curth is not taking donations at the moment. She added that any current GoFundMe campaigns created in her name are not authorized.
Online records show Stewart has been a senior staff attorney with Minnesota-based Gender Justice since 2023. According to the organization’s Facebook page, it is “a non-profit legal and policy advocacy organization dedicated to advancing gender equity.” Online records also show Stewart previously practiced in Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, OU’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors said it plans to deliver an online petition to the university’s president, Joseph Harroz. Jr., on Friday. The Action Network petition, which currently has 1,141 signatures from faculty, staff, students, alumni and other community members, calls on Harroz to release details about the processes leading to Curth’s removal and create a harassment response and prevention plan for the campus to respond to political attacks.
