University of Cincinnati student given zero after using term ‘biological woman’
University of Cincinnati student Olivia Krolczyk discussed what happened when she was given a failing grade after using the term ‘biological woman’ in an assignment
The University of Cincinnati [UC] on Thursday reversed its reprimand for a professor who failed a student for using the term "biological woman."
The reprimand was issued on June 14 by the head of the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at UC, to penalize gender studies professor Melanie Nipper after she failed student Olivia Krolczyk's assignment for citing biological science.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Nipper’s reprimand will be removed from her personnel file. Nipper is still required to complete training about the university’s free speech policy and submit a syllabus to her department head.
Per the Cincinnati Enquirer, Nipper filed an appeal request and met on-campus with administrators. After the appeal request was filed, the UC decided that the reprimand was "issued in error."
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The University of Cincinnati on Thursday reversed its reprimand for a professor who failed a student for using the term "biological woman." (Fox News)
Nipper argued that failing the student was not in violation of UC’s free speech policy.
Krolczyk sent a statement to the Cincinnati Enquirer about UC rescinding the reprimand.
"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," Krolczyk said.
Fox News Digital previously reported on Krolczyk posting a TikTok video last month explaining that she received a zero on her project proposal about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports because she used the term "biological women."
The gender studies professor, Nipper, had told her that "the terms ‘biological women’ are exclusionary and are not allowed in this course as they further reinforce heteronormativity. Please reassess your topic and edit it to focus on women’s rights (not just "females") and I’ll regrade."
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"How am I supposed to do my project if I can’t use the term ‘biological women?’" Krolczyk asked in her TikTok video.
General view of the University of Cincinnati campus seen before the game against the Austin Peay Governors at Nippert Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Nipper was ordered to complete free speech training after she penalized a student for citing biological science.
Since then, Krolczyk has received a new grade and finished her class with an A, but her former professor has faced a less flattering fate.
The Cincinnati Enquirer obtained a copy of a formal reprimand from UC informing Nipper that she violated school policy. According to the paper, "The reprimand directs adjunct instructor Melanie Nipper to complete training about UC's free speech policy and submit her syllabi for the coming school year to her department head."
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, gender studies professor Melanie Nipper's reprimand will be removed from her personal file. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The document states: "Please note that this is to be considered a formal reprimand for your actions. A copy of this letter will be placed in your permanent records. It is also understood that any other violations of UC policy may be subject to further disciplinary actions up to and including termination. You are reminded that as an unrepresented, unclassified ‘at will’ employee your employment may be terminated with or without cause."
The letter also demanded that "you must complete training on the requirements of the Campus Free Speech Policy" and that she "submit all syllabi" for review and approval "at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes."
UC did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
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