University of Cincinnati gender studies prof gave a ZERO grade for using phrase ‘biological women’

The University of Cincinnati has formally rebuked a gender studies professor who complained about a student using the term ‘biological woman’, and ordered the professor take a course on free speech.

Melanie Nipper, a 28 year-old adjunct professor of sexuality studies at the University of Cincinnati, took issue with student Olivia Krolczyk’s use of the term in an essay about trans women in sport.

Nipper told her ‘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.’ 

Krolczyk posted a TikTok on May 7 complaining about the incident. The clip has since been viewed more than a million times, and has attracted national media coverage: Krolczyk now has 10,000 Twitter followers and is using her social media accounts to campaign against trans women in sport and take a stance on LGBTQ controversies.

On Thursday, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Nipper had been punished by the university. 

Olivia Krolczyk said in May she was given a zero for her use of the term ‘biological women’ in her Women’s Gender Studies in Pop Culture class

When a student uses ‘outdated terminology,’ Nipper added of the zero mark (seen here with an accompanying explanation), she will always take that opportunity to correct those mistakes 

She has been ordered to complete training, and submit her syllabi for the coming school year to her department head.

The university document, obtained by the paper, 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.’

Nipper defended her actions to the university.

Nipper remained defiant, insisting that she was correct in her marking of Krolczyk’s paper 

Krolczyk has now become an activist, campaigning online on LGBTQ issues

She told them that ‘my restriction on harmful speech’ was ‘necessary to ensure a safe learning environment in the course discussions and for the pedagogical purpose of teaching introductory WGSS theory.’

She said she teaches from a ‘intersectional, 4th wave, and transnational feminist perspective,’ and argued that the student’s chosen topic for her project was ‘inappropriate as it targeted trans women as a source of oppression for cis women in sports.’

Nipper added: ‘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 had previously defended her marking to The Cincinnati Enquirer.

She said her support of free speech ends when ‘you are, intentionally or unintentionally, participating in a systemic harm of some kind,’ – including statements she deems transphobic or racist.

She said her marking of Krolczyk’s paper was fair. 

‘Not a zero for the course, a zero for an assignment,’ she explained.