UC repeals reprimand for gender studies professor who gave student a zero

The University of Cincinnati has rescinded a reprimand issued to an adjunct professor who failed her former student for using the term "biological woman" in a class assignment about trans athletes.

Professor Melanie Nipper argued that her decision was well within the boundaries of acceptable censorship outlined in UC's free speech policy, that which is "reasonably related to a legitimate pedagogical purpose, such as classroom rules enacted by teachers."

The university agreed the reprimand was "issued in error," and it will be removed from her personnel file, according to an email sent to Nipper on June 29 from Margaret Hanson, the College of Arts and Sciences interim dean. However, Nipper is still expected to complete a training on the University of Cincinnati's Free Speech requirements prior to the beginning of the fall 2023 term and submit her syllabus for approval.

The student, Olivia Krolcyzk, said the university's decision to rescind the reprimand is "an injustice to students everywhere."

"UC is affirming that professors will have no consequences for failing students with dissenting opinions," Krolcyzk said in a statement. "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."

Who are Melanie Nipper and Olivia Krolcyzk?

Melanie Nipper has been an adjunct professor in the Women Gender and Sexuality Studies Department at UC since August 2021.

In a final project proposal in May, Krolcyzk argued that trans women have an advantage over their cisgender counterparts in sports – a topic still up for debate among scientists and athletics policymakers – and used the term "biological woman."

Nipper gave Krolczyk a zero, saying both the language and subject matter were inappropriate for her course, Gender in Popular Culture.

Krolczyk posted a video about the grade on TikTok, which gained 400,000 likes and 4 million views, and filed a free speech complaint with the university.

On June 14, Ashley Currier, head of the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies department, issued a formal reprimand to Nipper, asking her to attend free speech trainings and submit her syllabus for approval.

Neither Krolczyk, Nipper not completely satisfied with outcome

Krolczyk's proposal was later re-graded by the dean of Arts & Sciences, and she received a passing grade overall for the class. However, she was disappointed in UC's decision about Nipper.

"The university shouldn't pick and choose which policies they decide to enforce based on whether the professor follows in line with their 'woke' ideologies or goes against them," she said. "The school has solidified that using 'biological' is a harmful, transphobic and outdated term."

The controversy has taken an immense emotional and psychological toll on Nipper; she said she's received 300+ hate emails and angry phone calls. Nipper said her situation showcases "the very real harm and threat people can pose when their worldview is informed by white supremacy, cisheteronormativity, classism, patriarchy, and more."

Nipper is glad UC believes some limitations on speech in the classroom are necessary but feels the fact she had to make that argument at all shows "more restrictions on inclusion, diversity, equity, and justice-oriented disciplines are imminent."

Nipper has no intention of leaving her profession. "I remain committed to being an educator," she said, "and I look forward to continue supporting marginalized communities."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Free speech: UC repeals reprimand against gender studies professor