In a heartbreaking turn of events, the tight-knit community of Owasso High School in Oklahoma is grappling with the loss of one of its students, Nex Benedict. The incident that led to this tragedy has shocked both the local community and the online world.
Nex Benedict Owasso High School Death
On February 7, around 3:30 p.m., police were called to Bailey Medical Center by the parent of the victim, who had been involved in a physical altercation at the school earlier that day. Shockingly, no initial report of the fight was made to the police until the student had already been admitted to the hospital.
Hayden Clarkin expressed concern on Twitter, stating, “No teachers or staff called the authorities to help Nex after they initially survived the attack.”
The Owasso Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Nex’s death, awaiting the coroner-medical examiner’s report before releasing more information. The school district released a statement, acknowledging the death but providing no further details, citing an ongoing police investigation.
Oklahoma High School Student Beaten by Peers Passes Away
In a heartbreaking incident that has left the community in shock, Nex Benedict, a nonbinary 16-year-old student at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, passed away after a violent altercation with peers in a school restroom. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the handling of LGBTQ+ bullying in the school system.
Misgendering and Controversies
The tragedy has been compounded by misgendering in local media, adding to the anguish felt by the LGBTQ+ community. The school district, previously targeted by the far-right anti-LGBTQ+ extremist Libs of TikTok’s creator Chaya Raichik, is under scrutiny for its handling of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying.
Raichik, appointed to an Oklahoma committee reviewing school library content by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, has a history of targeting individuals supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
In the past, Raichik targeted an Owasso 8th-grade teacher for supporting LGBTQ+ students, leading to online harassment and false accusations. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups argue that Raichik’s actions contribute to a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ youth, potentially inciting violence.
Legal Battles and School Policies
Walters, the State Superintendent, faces legal challenges for prohibiting students from changing their gender on their official school records, a policy now being contested in court. This policy and Walters’ rhetoric have come under scrutiny, with a viral tweet attributing Nex Benedict’s death to Walters’ controversial stances.
Community Response and Mourning
The LGBTQ+ community and allies are expressing anger and frustration over Nex’s death, demanding justice and accountability for the alleged negligence in handling the assault. As the town mourns, there are calls for the school district to address the underlying issues of LGBTQ+ bullying and create a safer environment for all students.
Conclusion
The tragedy at Owasso High School serves as a stark reminder of the real and devastating consequences of LGBTQ+ bullying. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers and justice for Nex Benedict.
This incident highlights the need for proactive measures in schools to prevent such tragedies and underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity and acceptance for all students, regardless of their gender identity.