Campus Conflicts Surge: OU Zero Grade, Group Denials and Free-Speech Flashpoints

A wave of campus controversies across the United States has reignited debates over academic freedom, student group recognition and the limits of campus expression. Incidents at the University of Oklahoma, Loyola New Orleans, California Lutheran University and several other campuses illustrate growing tensions between students, administrators and outside critics.

Oklahoma Essay Sparks Outcry

An Oklahoma student says a teaching assistant gave them a zero on an essay that presented Christian perspectives on gender. Supporters allege the grade reflects ideological bias rather than a neutral academic assessment. Conservative commentators and at least one professor called the assignment's rubric "lazy" and punitive, arguing the score penalized a sincerely held religious viewpoint. The dispute has drawn attention from congressional lawmakers who say the case raises concerns about viewpoint discrimination on college campuses.

Recognition Battles and Campus Polarization

Turning Point USA chapters have faced repeated obstacles: students say the Loyola University New Orleans chapter was denied recognition again after a contentious meeting, and California Lutheran University's student senate voted against reestablishing a TPUSA chapter. In response, some students and conservative advocates describe these decisions as politically motivated and symptomatic of broader campus resistance to conservative organizations.

Displays, Protests and Safety Concerns

At another campus, a pro-Palestinian display organized by a Muslim student club left some Jewish students feeling "shaken," prompting debate about how universities balance free expression with community safety. Separately, a conservative student group released video footage of another student tearing down their promotional flyers—an episode activists said highlights escalating tensions over protest tactics and acceptable speech.

Alternative Organizing and Legal Outcomes

After a Students for Life chapter was rejected at a Christian college, a student founded a local pro-life organization to continue advocacy work—illustrating how students pursue alternative routes to organize when formal recognition is denied. Meanwhile, two educators who were fired after public comments about a district gender policy reached a $650,000 settlement, a resolution their supporters say restores employment rights and underscores legal risks for districts that discipline staff over speech.

Policy Debates Extend Beyond Campuses

In New York City, a professor with previous writings advocating alternatives to traditional policing has been tapped to help shape local community safety policy, reigniting discussion about academic influence on public policy and the diversity of perspectives included in civic decision-making.

Bottom line: These episodes reflect a volatile campus climate where questions about viewpoint fairness, student-group recognition and the line between protest and harassment are increasingly litigated in student governments, courts and Congress.