In Solidarity with University of Oklahoma Graduate Workers

The Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) at UIUC, IFT/AFT Local 6300 stands firmly in solidarity with University of Oklahoma (OU) graduate worker Mel Curth, who currently faces disciplinary action for fulfilling the duties outlined in their employment contract.

The graduate instructor is facing backlash from conservative media outlets for justifiably assigning a failing grade to an undergraduate essay that strayed from the clearly-stated parameters of the project (Inside Higher Ed). This public campaign is largely driven by transphobic and hateful speech directed at Curth’s personal identity (Villarreal 2025). Instead of defending their professional expertise, OU has caved to the demands of Turning Point USA, a nationwide alt-right organization active on college and university campuses, and placed Curth on administrative leave with no indication of when they may resume their work responsibilities. OU’s capitulations have also included the suspension of an additional instructor for supporting students’ right to protest Curth’s suspension (The New York Times).

As graduate workers, many of whom are teaching assistants and instructors of record, we are abhorred by OU’s cowardice and unwillingness to uphold their graduate workers’ contractual rights. Graduate workers should not have to fear that assigning a grade based on clear expectations and rubrics could cost them their positions at their universities.

As a solidarity union, we reiterate our support for transgender peoples’ rights (statement) and the ability for workers to execute professional responsibilities without fear of retaliation (statement). We call on OU to immediately reinstate Curth to their position, recognize the dangerous precedent their actions are setting, and apologize for the harm they have caused to Curth, other graduate workers, and their student body.

We know that the organizing happening at OU in solidarity with Curth is the most powerful tool we have as graduate workers to defend academic freedom and safe working conditions. GEO has been able to win better pay, working conditions, and health care, among other benefits and we hope that this kind of organizing will also strengthen graduate workers’ protections at OU.

Solidarity forever!

Graduate Employees’ Organization 809 S. 5th St., Geneva Room Champaign, IL 61820 Email: geo@uigeo.org