A grading dispute at the University of Oklahoma has grown into a national political fight. What began as a classroom issue now sits at the center of a wider debate about gender, religion, and free speech on college campuses. The case involves Samantha Fulnecky, a junior student on a pre-med track. She received a zero on a psychology essay about gender stereotypes. Her paper reflected her Christian beliefs. She wrote that men and women were created differently and criticized modern gender ideas. Her instructor said the essay lacked evidence. The instructor also said it relied on personal beliefs instead of research. The message said parts of the essay were offensive and did not answer the assignment. Fulnecky believed she was punished for her faith. She reached out for help beyond the university. One of the people she contacted was Ryan Walters, a conservative education activist with a long history in school politics. Walters encouraged her to challenge the grade. He advised her to go public. He also suggested legal action and urged officials to investigate what he described as anti-Christian bias at the university. Soon after, Fulnecky spoke to a local reporter. The story drew attention online. She then asked the campus chapter of Turning Point USA to share her experience on social media. The group posted screenshots of her essay and the grading comments. The post highlighted the identity of one instructor. It spread quickly and reached millions of viewers. Within days, the dispute moved far beyond campus. Republican lawmakers in Oklahoma called for action. Some demanded the university president step down. Others threatened cuts to state funding. Fulnecky appeared at political events and on national television. She said she wanted to defend free speech and encourage other Christians to speak openly about their beliefs. University leaders placed two instructors on leave. One was removed from teaching while an investigation began. The school said it was reviewing claims of religious discrimination. On campus, the situation caused fear and tension. Protests and counterprotests broke out. Some students and faculty said they felt unsafe. Others worried about job security and public attacks. Graduate students said they feared grading work fairly. They said a single assignment could now lead to national backlash. Many felt the university moved too fast under political pressure. The assignment itself asked for a response to a scholarly article on gender expectations. It required research and analysis. The instructor said Fulnecky’s essay rejected the article and relied on ideology. The dispute could have stayed private. Universities often take months to resolve grading appeals. Instead, it became a public test case in a larger culture war. Similar cases have surfaced in other states. In recent months, professors elsewhere have faced discipline after lessons tied to gender identity. In each case, political leaders and media figures amplified the conflict. Supporters of Fulnecky say students should not be punished for religious views. They argue faith-based opinions deserve protection in academic settings. Critics say college courses require evidence and analysis. They argue personal belief alone does not meet academic standards. They warn that political pressure threatens academic freedom. One instructor involved in the case received threats online. University groups condemned the harassment and urged calm. They asked leaders to protect staff from intimidation. Behind the scenes, Fulnecky gained support from state lawmakers and conservative groups. She spoke at meetings where officials praised her actions. Some described her as brave for speaking out. Lawmakers said the essay exposed a larger problem in higher education. They claimed conservative students feel silenced. They announced plans for future hearings on campus bias. As the controversy grew, another professor was placed on leave. This followed a complaint about classroom comments linked to the protests. The move added to fears about free expression on campus. Faculty leaders said the university’s response set a dangerous example. They warned it could chill open discussion. They said instructors may now avoid difficult topics. The Oklahoma gender essay dispute shows how fast a classroom issue can escalate. It reflects deep national divides over gender and belief. For many on campus, the effects will last well beyond one grade.