Prof reprimanded for failing student over ‘biological female’ phrase in college.

University of Cincinnati Rescinds Reprimand for Professor Who Failed Student Over “Biological Woman” Term

In a surprising turn of events, the University of Cincinnati has decided to pull back on a reprimand issued to a gender studies professor who failed a student for using the term “biological woman” in a project proposal. This decision comes after a heated controversy surrounding the incident.

Professor Melanie Nipper had failed student Olivia Krolczyk’s assignment, a proposal for a final project in her Gender in Popular Culture class. As a result, Ashley Currier, the head of the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, reprimanded Nipper and mandated her attendance at free speech training.

“To prevent any further violation of [the free speech] policy, you must complete training on the requirements of the Campus Free Speech Policy. Through the end of Academic Year 2024/2025, you must submit all syllabi to … me at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes for review and approval,” the reprimand read in part, and reminded Nipper that further violations of university policy could result in her losing her position.

However, Nipper appealed the decision, arguing that restrictions on harmful speech were necessary to maintain a safe learning environment. She also claimed that the topic itself was inappropriate as it targeted trans women as a source of oppression for cis women in sports.

“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,” Nipper added.

Following a meeting between Nipper and university administrators, it was determined that the reprimand had been issued in error and would be removed from the professor’s personnel file. However, Nipper will still be required to attend the free speech training and submit syllabi for review by the head of her department.

Upon learning of the university’s decision to rescind the reprimand, Krolczyk expressed her disappointment, stating, “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.”

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