The tragic death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student at Owasso High School, has prompted the United States Department of Education to launch an investigation into possible discrimination at Owasso Public Schools. Benedict passed away the day after a fight with three girls in a school bathroom in February. While the cause of death has not been officially determined, the Department of Education is looking into whether the school district responded adequately to student harassment complaints in accordance with federal laws.
The investigation comes in response to a complaint filed by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, alleging that the district failed to address sex-based harassment. Following Benedict’s death, HRC President Kelley Robinson felt compelled to take action and seek justice for Nex and ensure the safety of all students in Oklahoma schools.
“We appreciate the Department of Education responding to our complaint and opening an investigation – we need them to act urgently so there can be justice for Nex, and so that all students at Owasso High School and every school in Oklahoma can be safe from bullying, harassment, and discrimination,” Robinson stated in a prepared statement.
The Owasso Public Schools spokesperson expressed the district’s willingness to cooperate with the federal investigation but dismissed HRC’s complaint as unsupported by the facts and without merit. However, Owasso School Resource Officer Caleb Thompson acknowledged that the fight Benedict was involved in had “criminal-type actions” and criticized the district for not involving the police as required.
Thompson stated, “The district dropped the ball” in terms of handling incidents that involve potential criminal activity. According to OPS spokesperson Jordan Korphage, students involved in fights are informed that they may file a police report and have the opportunity to meet with a school resource officer.
The death of Nex Benedict has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students at Owasso High School. The investigation by the Department of Education will aim to determine whether the school district adequately responded to harassment complaints, ensuring compliance with federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on sex and disability.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is crucial for schools and communities to address the issue of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Every student deserves a safe and inclusive learning environment, free from fear and prejudice. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served for Nex Benedict and that meaningful changes will be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
