An instructor at the University of Oklahoma has been placed on leave following a reversal after a complaint over a student receiving a failing mark on a paper for citing the Bible.

20-year-old student Samantha Fulnecky, who studies psychology, had her essay deemed “highly offensive” and worth no points after she wrote that eradicating gender would be “detrimental” as it would push people away from God’s original plan.

Students were assigned to write 650 words in response to an academic study examining whether conformity with gender norms was associated with popularity or bullying among middle school students.

Referring to a copy of her essay provided to The Oklahoman, Fulnecky said she was discouraged by the grounds for the grade.

Based on her understanding of the Bible, she does not believe there are more than two genders and felt that the idea of multiple genders is being unnecessarily pushed on students.

In her essay, 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.”

In response to her assignment, the instructor said they were not deducting points due to “certain beliefs” but because the essay “did not answer the question.”

The complaint quickly went viral after the University of Oklahoma chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative group founded by the late Charlie Kirk, highlighted it.

In a statement on X, the group posted: “Professors like this are the very reason conservatives can’t voice their beliefs in the classroom.”

Governor Kevin Stitt backed the group and called the situation “deeply concerning.”

Since then, Stitt has urged OU regents to review the case to ensure students aren’t unfairly penalized for their beliefs.

The university also noted that the failing grade would not affect Fulnecky’s final grade or standing at OU, as the essay was only worth 3%. However, the investigation into her discrimination complaint remains ongoing.