I don’t believe she was treated differently as far as receiving a failing grade. The essay was very poorly written and did not follow the instructions. I do however believe the professor (or grad assistant) did allow her personal feelings to show in her explanation. That was wrong. She should have just left it at the non-personal. But the failing grade was justified.
Probably more a D. The assignment was definitely a “failing assignment” - pointless and agenda driven on the part of the ‘instructor.’