University walks back reprimand of gender studies prof who gave student zero for referencing 'biological women'; school reportedly says reprimand 'issued in error'

The University of Cincinnati walked back a reprimand it handed down to an adjunct instructor in the department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies for giving a student a zero for referring to "biological women" in a final project proposal; the school reportedly said the reprimand was "issued in error."

However, the instructor — Melanie Nipper — is still required to complete training on the university’s free speech policy and submit a syllabus to her department head, the New York Post reported, citing the Cincinnati Enquirer.

What is the background?

Student Olivia Krolczyk in May posted a viral TikTok video saying her instructor wrote, “Olivia, this is a solid proposal. However, the terms ‘biological women’ are exclusionary and are not allowed in this course as they further reinforce heteronormativity." Krolczyk in the video didn't divulge the name of her instructor, the name of her school, or her own last name.

Also in the video, Krolczyk called the zero grade "biased" and added that her project "is about transgenders competing in biological women’s sports. How am I supposed to do my final project if I can’t use the word ‘biological women,' but that’s what my project is about?”

In another TikTok clip, Krolczyk added that she would be taking up the issue with her school's Office for Equal Opportunity.

Soon the Enquirer got an interview with Nipper, who defended giving Krolczyk a zero. Nipper told the paper it's her job to correct students when they use "outdated terminology" but added they only will receive "a zero for an assignment, not a zero for the course."

The Post said in a separate story that the Enquirer soon obtained the university's letter formally reprimanding Nipper, which indicated it would be placed in her "permanent records." In addition to completing training on the school's free-speech policy, the letter said Nipper must submit future syllabi for approval, the Post said.

“It is also understood that any other violations of UC policy may be subject to further disciplinary actions up to and including termination," the letter said. "You are reminded that as an unrepresented, unclassified ‘at will’ employee your employment may be terminated with or without cause.”

Ashley Currier — head of the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at UC — handed down the reprimand, the Post said, citing the Enquirer, adding that Nipper responded June 19 requesting an appeal.

Reprimand reversed — but punishment stands

The Post, citing the Enquirer, reported that Nipper’s reprimand will be removed from her personnel file, although she's still required to complete training on the university’s free speech policy and submit a syllabus to her department head.

After Nipper filed her appeal request and met with university administrators, the school ruled that the reprimand was “issued in error," the Post said, citing the Enquirer.

Nipper argued that her grade for Krolczyk didn't violate the school's free speech policy, the Post said.

Krolczyk sent a statement to the Enquirer about the reprimand walk-back, according to the Post: “UC is affirming that professors will have no consequences for failing students with dissenting opinions. … They will not uphold a student’s rights to free speech and will take no action to ensure that the educators hired are acting in a professional manner."

Here's more from Krolczyk:

Unveiling Academic Bias-University of Cincinnatiyoutu.be

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