OU removes lecturer over protest absence bias
The University of Oklahoma said Friday it removed a lecturer from the classroom and placed the professor on administrative leave after excusing absences for students attending a pro‑TA protest but not for counter‑protesters. OU’s director told the class and emailed that the action was "inappropriate and wrong," extended excused absences to any student attending the protest regardless of viewpoint, and confirmed the lecturer was replaced for the rest of the semester. The incident follows the removal of TA William "Mel" Curth after a Christian student received a zero on an essay referencing the Bible.
📌 Key Facts
- OU statement (posted Friday) said the lecturer "allegedly demonstrated viewpoint discrimination" and was replaced immediately
- University extended excused absences to all students attending the protest, regardless of viewpoint
- Lecturer placed on administrative leave pending further investigation; students identified the lecturer as Kelli Alvarez
- Earlier, TA William "Mel" Curth was removed after giving student Samantha Fulnecky a zero on a gender‑norms essay invoking Christian beliefs
📊 Relevant Data
At the University of Oklahoma, zero Republican professors were found across six humanities departments, while Democrats dominate faculty positions.
Zero Republican professors found across six humanities departments at U Oklahoma — The College Fix
In Oklahoma, 92% of political contributions made by college professors went to Democratic candidates.
Report finds Oklahoma professors overwhelmingly support Democrats — Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs
Viewpoint discrimination is the strongest driver of US college students' willingness to restrict academic freedom, according to a 2025 study.