A University of Oklahoma student who cited the Bible in an essay has been told her work was “highly offensive” and worth no points.

Samantha Fulnecky, who studies psychology, wrote that eradicating gender in society would be “detrimental” as it would put people “further from God’s original plan for humans.”

She believes the grade is a violation of her free speech rights, having been failed for quoting the Bible, and has filed a formal discrimination complaint with the university.

Responding to an article that argued accepting diverse gender expressions would improve students’ confidence, she wrote: “Society pushing the lie that there are multiple genders and everyone should be whatever they want to be is demonic and severely harms American youth.”

The marker scored the essay zero out of 25 and claimed the student did not use empirical evidence, writing: “To call an entire group of people ‘demonic’ is highly offensive, especially a minoritized population.”

“I implore you to apply some more perspective and empathy in your work,” the feedback continued.

Fulnecky told The Oklahoman: “To be what I think is clearly discriminated against for my beliefs and using freedom of speech, and especially for my religious beliefs, I think that’s just absurd.”

In a statement posted on social media, a university spokesperson said: “OU remains firmly committed to fairness, respect, and protecting every student’s right to express sincerely held religious beliefs.”

Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma, called the situation “deeply concerning” and urged a review to “ensure other students aren’t unfairly penalized for their beliefs.”