A university faculty member was disciplined by their department for their position on "gendered" language - but this time, it wasn't what you've probably come to expect.
University of Cincinnati adjunct instructor Melanie Nipper was formally reprimanded and required to complete free speech training after failing a student for using the term “biological woman” on an assignment.
The professor gave UC student Olivia Krolczyk a ‘zero’ for using the term “biological woman” on her project proposal in her Gender in Popular Culture class, saying the term is “exclusionary” and “further reinforces heteronormativity.”
The reprimand, obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer, stated Nipper “violated the Campus Free Speech” policy and “must complete training on the requirements of the Campus Free Speech Policy” to prevent further violations. Nipper also must submit “all syllabi” at least two weeks before the beginning of classes for “review and approval.”
“It is also understood that any other violations of UC policy may be subject to further disciplinary actions up to and including termination,” stated the reprimand, issued by Ashley Currier, Head of the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. “You are reminded that as an unrepresented, unclassified ‘at will’ employee your employment may be terminated with or without cause.”
Five days later, Nipper appealed the reprimand, claiming that the university's reprimand was “issued in error” and her restriction on speech was “necessary to ensure a safe learning environment.” She called Krolczyk’s topic “inappropriate” saying it “targeted trans women as a source of oppression for cis women in sports.”
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“Additionally, as the class has students that identify as gender non-conforming and/or trans, I felt it was necessary to educate her regarding inclusive language to ensure a safe learning environment for other students in the course discussion boards,” Nipper stated.
This decision by the University of Cincinnati is the response that all higher education institutions need to adapt and implement on their campuses. Instead of prioritizing mandatory diversity and inclusion training, colleges and universities must uphold First Amendment rights of students, including those who disagree with the ideology and agenda of their teachers.
Feelings and offenses will waver, as they are subjective. But our founding principles are objective and should stand regardless. We just witnessed a rare win in our education system today.
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