Tragic Death of Nonbinary Teen Sparks Outrage and Raises Questions About Bullying and School Safety
The untimely death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student, has ignited outrage and brought to light the pressing issues of bullying and school safety. Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns, was involved in a fight at Owasso Public High School in Oklahoma on February 7, which ultimately led to their tragic demise. Family members of the 10th-grader have revealed that Benedict had been a victim of bullying due to their gender identity.
While the Oklahoma police claim that an autopsy indicated that Benedict did not die as a result of trauma, questions surrounding the circumstances of their death persist. The Owasso Police Department reported that following the fight, a registered nurse examined all the students involved and determined that an ambulance was not necessary. However, the school nurse recommended that Benedict seek further medical assessment. Tragically, the next day, Benedict experienced a medical emergency and was rushed to St. Francis Pediatric Emergency Room, where they passed away.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Oklahoma has not yet responded to inquiries about the case. Meanwhile, the Owasso School District has issued a statement expressing full cooperation with the police investigation. The district acknowledged that a physical altercation did occur on February 7 in a school restroom and confirmed that all parties involved were examined by the nurse. They emphasized that any form of physical aggression among students is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary consequences.
The loss of Benedict has deeply affected the entire school community, and the district is committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and safe. However, critics argue that Benedict’s death and mistreatment reflect the antagonistic policies surrounding transgender students in Oklahoma. LGBTQ+ advocacy group Freedom Oklahoma released a statement highlighting the harm inflicted upon Nex due to their identity and attributed it to the rhetoric and policies prevalent in the state’s legislature, education department, and governor’s office.
Superintendent Ryan Walters, who has been instrumental in shaping Oklahoma’s school policies, has faced criticism for allegedly targeting and endangering transgender and gender nonconforming students. His decision to appoint Chaya Raichik, a nonresident, to a volunteer board drew further condemnation. Moreover, in April 2022, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill prohibiting nonbinary gender identification on state birth certificates, making Oklahoma the first state to enact such a prohibition. Stitt has also been involved in passing laws that prohibit transgender girls from participating in female school sports teams.
Governor Stitt, though known for his conservative stance on LGBTQ+ rights, expressed condolences to Benedict’s family and stressed the need to hold bullies accountable. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family with funeral expenses and has already received over $82,000 in donations. In an update, Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, stated that any remaining funds will be used to support other children grappling with the right to express their true selves in Nex’s memory.
The tragic death of Nex Benedict has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of transgender and nonbinary individuals in schools. It serves as a reminder of the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments where students can thrive without fear of discrimination or harm. As advocates continue to fight for equality and acceptance, it is crucial that policies and attitudes reflect the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.
