Owasso, Oklahoma – The Department of Education has launched an investigation into the response of the Oklahoma school district where transgender student Nex Benedict attended high school. Following Benedict’s tragic death at the age of 16, concerns were raised about the handling of sex-based harassment at Owasso High School.
The Human Rights Campaign, a leading LGBTQ rights organization, lodged a complaint with the Department of Education prompting the inquiry. Benedict passed away following a physical altercation with three fellow students in a school bathroom, sparking global outrage among LGBTQ advocates.
The HRC’s complaint accuses the district of failing to address the discrimination and harassment suffered by Nex and questions whether Title IX rights were violated. This federal law safeguards against gender-based discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funding. Karen E. Mines, the Education Department’s chief attorney, informed the HRC of the investigation in response to their complaint.
The district, represented by spokesperson Brock Crawford, asserts the allegations are baseless and vows to cooperate with federal authorities. The Education Department has yet to provide a comment on the ongoing investigation, as the circumstances surrounding Benedict’s death and the role of the altercation remain unclear.
Body camera footage from a police interview with Benedict revealed prior instances of bullying and harassment. Nex recounted being attacked by classmates and retaliating by throwing water at them in defense of himself and friends. The HRC’s president, Kelley Robinson, underscores the urgency for justice and safety for all students at Owasso High School and beyond.
As Benedict’s family, community, and the broader LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma await answers, the Department of Education’s investigation offers a glimmer of hope for accountability and prevention of bullying and discrimination in schools. The outcome of the inquiry holds significant implications for the protection of LGBTQ+ students nationwide, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action in response to such tragic events.