Teenager’s Death Highlights LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Bullying Concerns at Oklahoma High School
Tragedy struck Owasso High School in Oklahoma when a 16-year-old student, Nex Benedict, died following a fight on February 8. The incident has drawn attention to the hostile climate faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the urgent need for advocacy and anti-bullying measures in schools.
The exact cause of Nex’s death is still under investigation, and it remains unclear if the fight directly contributed to their passing. However, advocates argue that the incident sheds light on the intensified challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in educational settings.
According to Nex’s family, who identified as nonbinary, the altercation involved a transgender student and three older girls in a school bathroom. Nex was allegedly badly beaten and hit their head on the floor during the fight. Sue Benedict, Nex’s guardian and biological grandmother, revealed that Nex had been subjected to bullying but stated, “I didn’t know how bad it had gotten.” This tragic event highlights the urgent need for schools to address bullying and create a safe environment for all students.
Nex, a 10th grader, identified as nonbinary and preferred they/them pronouns. According to Sue Benedict, Nex did not conform to traditional gender norms and did not see themselves as strictly male or female. The family’s description of Nex’s identity emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding diverse gender identities within educational institutions.
The incident at Owasso High School occurred on February 7 when a physical altercation broke out in a school bathroom. Students and a faculty member intervened, and all parties involved were taken to the assistant principal’s office and the nurse’s office for evaluation. Nex was subsequently recommended to visit a hospital for further care.
The following day, Nex experienced a medical emergency and was rushed to a pediatric emergency hospital, where they tragically passed away. The early details surrounding the incident, as stated by the Benedict family, are deeply troubling. They are calling for a thorough investigation and swift action against any responsible parties.
Nex’s family shared text messages with CNN affiliate KOKI, providing insight into the incident. The messages indicate that Nex was jumped by three individuals and had to seek medical attention. Nex explained that the girls involved in the fight had been bullying them and their friends, prompting Nex to retaliate by pouring water on them. The text exchange also revealed that Nex sustained bruises and suspected a possible concussion.
Advocates have pointed out that Nex’s death is not an isolated incident but occurs within a broader context of LGBTQ+ discrimination in Oklahoma. The state legislature’s passage of a “bathroom bill” requiring students to use facilities based on their sex assigned at birth and Governor Kevin Stitt’s executive order mandating identification according to birth sex have drawn strong criticism.
Owasso Public Schools has confirmed the occurrence of a physical altercation in a restroom that was broken up by students and staff. While the district cannot disclose specific disciplinary actions due to privacy laws, they have expressed their commitment to providing necessary resources and addressing the issue.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has pledged full support to the school district, emphasizing the safety and security of students as a top priority. LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Oklahoma, have demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
In response to this tragic event, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Nex’s family during this difficult time.
As the investigation into Nex’s death continues, it serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for LGBTQ+ advocacy and comprehensive anti-bullying measures in schools. It is crucial for educational institutions to foster inclusivity, respect diversity, and ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Only then can preventable tragedies like this be avoided, and meaningful change be achieved.
