Too Woke To Teach

Summary

Olivia, a student at the University of Cincinnati, received a zero on her project for using the term 'biological woman,' which her professor deemed outdated and transphobic. Despite the professor acknowledging the quality of the project, she justified the grade by claiming the term was exclusionary. Olivia fought back, advocating for free speech and scientific accuracy, and eventually had her grade changed after a different professor reviewed her work. The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the limits of free speech in academia and the increasing pressures students face to conform to politically correct ideologies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Olivia, a student, was given a zero on her assignment for using the term 'biological woman' in a college project, which was deemed offensive by her professor.
• 😀 The professor, Melanie Rose Nipper, from the University of Cincinnati, defended her decision, stating that the use of the term 'biological woman' was outdated and harmful.
• 😀 Olivia's project was about transgenders competing in biological women's sports, and she argued that using 'biological women' was necessary for her analysis.
• 😀 The controversy sparked a heated debate on TikTok, with some people accusing Olivia of trolling, while others believed her story was fabricated.
• 😀 Olivia later posted confirmation that the incident was real, revealing the professor's identity and backing up her account with further details from the College Fix article.
• 😀 Professor Nipper explained that she felt it was her duty to 'correct' students who use outdated terminology, which led to Olivia receiving a zero despite the project being deemed 'good overall.'
• 😀 Nipper emphasized that she supports free speech but believes it ends when it causes 'systemic harm' like transphobia, which she argued Olivia's language promoted.
• 😀 Olivia's TikTok videos provided additional insight into her email exchanges with the professor, where Nipper challenged the biological definition of sex, claiming it was a 'socially constructed' concept.
• 😀 Olivia maintained a level of restraint, refusing to reveal the professor's identity or the school at first, while defending her stance on free speech and the use of scientific language.
• 😀 In the end, Olivia appealed to the dean, was granted an extension, and had her project graded by a different professor, ultimately earning an A in the course, which was a significant win.
• 😀 Olivia's experience resonated with other students who shared similar stories of feeling silenced or penalized for questioning politically correct ideologies on campus.

Q & A

What led to the controversy in the University of Cincinnati story?

The controversy began when a student, Olivia Croskey, used the term 'biological women' in a project proposal about trans women competing in biological women's sports. Her professor, Melanie Rose Nipper, gave her a zero for using the term, claiming it was outdated and exclusionary.

How did Olivia Croskey respond to receiving a zero on her assignment?

Olivia Croskey posted a viral TikTok video explaining her situation. In the video, she expressed frustration, stating that the term 'biological women' was central to her project and that she couldn't complete her final assignment without using it.

What was the professor's justification for giving Olivia a zero?

Professor Melanie Rose Nipper justified giving Olivia a zero by claiming that the term 'biological women' was outdated and exclusionary. She also stated that correcting such terminology was part of her routine duties as a professor.

What did the professor claim about the definition of sex and its connection to transphobia?

Professor Nipper argued that sex is a socially constructed category and that Western understandings of biological sex, which rely on the presence of XX or XY chromosomes, contribute to heteronormativity and transphobia.

How did the online community react to Olivia's situation?

The reaction was divided. Some people supported Olivia, calling out the professor's actions as an attack on free speech, while others accused Olivia of being a troll or not deserving of support. The debate sparked widespread discussion about free speech and academic bias.

What is the significance of Olivia's TikTok video and its impact?

Olivia's TikTok video gained over 3 million views and sparked a broader conversation about academic freedom, free speech, and the use of terminology in university settings. It empowered other students to share similar experiences and stand up for their rights.

What actions did Olivia take after receiving a zero for her assignment?

Olivia took the issue to the dean of her university, who granted her an extension for the project. Another professor was assigned to grade the project, and Olivia eventually received an A in the class, though the university is still investigating the professor's actions.

What does Olivia's situation reveal about academic environments today?

Olivia's situation highlights the growing tension in academic environments around free speech, the enforcement of certain ideologies, and the risks students face when expressing differing opinions on controversial topics.

How did Professor Nipper react to Olivia's TikTok video?

Professor Nipper reacted emotionally, claiming that she cried after seeing Olivia's TikTok. She expressed feeling overwhelmed by the situation, though Olivia had intentionally avoided mentioning the professor's name in her original video.

What is the broader societal issue highlighted by this controversy?

The controversy underscores the ongoing debate over language, identity, and inclusivity in education and society. It reflects tensions between the desire to protect marginalized groups and the principles of free expression and academic inquiry.