Oklahoma High School Students Walk Out in Protest of Bullying and in Support of 2SLGBTQ Community
In a powerful display of solidarity and defiance against bullying, students from Owasso High School in Oklahoma walked out of their classes on Monday to protest the mistreatment of their peers and show support for the school’s 2SLGBTQ community. The protest was sparked by the tragic death of nonbinary student Nex Benedict, who had been involved in a physical altercation with several other students the day before their passing.
The issue of anti-LGBTQ bullying and violence has been at the forefront of discussions following Nex’s untimely death. The Benedict family and the local 2SLGBTQ community have been mourning their loss through vigils and memorials held across the state and country. This tragic incident has highlighted the urgent need to address bullying and create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Parents and community members have voiced their concerns about the pervasive nature of bullying within the school system. Susie Eubank, an Owasso parent, expressed her fears, stating, “Our children are scared to death and go to school every day, and something has to stop.” Eubank’s own child has experienced direct threats and derogatory name-calling, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Cassidy Brown, a graduate of Owasso High School who helped organize the demonstration, spoke passionately about the importance of supporting marginalized communities. “I just want to get the word out and show these kids that we’re here,” Brown said. “There is a community here in this city that does exist, and we see them, and they are loved.”
The Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma played a crucial role in organizing the event, aiming to send a strong message that bullying is not acceptable and that they stand with those who have experienced it. The collective efforts of students, parents, and advocacy groups demonstrate the power of unity in fighting against discrimination and harassment.
While investigations into Nex Benedict’s death are still ongoing, newly released body camera footage provides some insight into the incident. In the footage, Nex can be seen lying on a gurney at a local hospital, recounting the events that led to the altercation. Nex explained that they had poured water on three students who had been mocking their appearance and that the situation escalated into a physical confrontation. Despite their friends’ attempts to intervene, Nex was overwhelmed and ultimately lost consciousness during the altercation.
Nex’s family has called for action and answers regarding the bullying Nex faced in school. They believe that the bullying began after Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law that restricted the rights of transgender and gender-expansive youth. The family hopes that Nex’s tragic death will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, where bullying is taken seriously and no family has to endure another preventable tragedy.
The incident has also shed light on the broader landscape of LGBTQ rights in Oklahoma. More than 50 anti-LGBTQ bills are currently being considered in the state legislature, with Governor Stitt implementing policies that further marginalize and discriminate against the 2SLGBTQ community. Critics argue that these actions contribute to a hostile environment for LGBTQ individuals and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive protections.
In response to Nex Benedict’s death, the Human Rights Campaign has called for federal investigations into whether LGBTQ students’ rights were violated. The organization has sent letters to the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, urging them to conduct a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Nex’s passing.
The tragic loss of Nex Benedict has reverberated nationwide, sparking a wave of support and demands for justice from 2SLGBTQ groups and allies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in schools and society at large. It is crucial that steps are taken to address bullying, promote inclusivity, and ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Only through collective action and unwavering support can we hope to create a future where no one has to endure the pain and suffering caused by discrimination.