In a heartbreaking and deeply concerning incident that has sparked outrage and demands for answers, a transgender student in Oklahoma tragically lost their life after being violently assaulted by fellow students. The culture of transphobia in schools, raising questions about the safety of transgender and nonbinary students and the responsibility of educational leaders in fostering inclusive environments.
The incident occurred in Owasso, Oklahoma, where Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old sophomore at Owasso High School, became the victim of a brutal assault in a school bathroom. This tragic event has drawn national attention, bringing to the forefront the issues faced by transgender individuals in an environment that may perpetuate harmful ideologies.
On February 7, Nex Benedict was attacked by three older girls in the girls’ bathroom at Owasso High School. The assault left Nex with visible bruises on their face, scratches on the back of their head, and injuries to their eyes. The incident was not reported to the police or the school administration, and no immediate medical assistance was sought for Nex.
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The lack of a prompt response from the school is deeply concerning. Despite the severity of the assault, the school did not call an ambulance or the police. Additionally, the school informed Nex’s guardian that the teenager would be suspended for two weeks following the incident, further compounding the distressing situation.
Tragically, the assault had devastating consequences. Nex collapsed at home the day after the attack and was rushed to the hospital. Sadly, Nex was pronounced dead later that evening. The exact cause of death is yet to be determined, pending an autopsy report and toxicology results.
The incident involving Nex Benedict occurred in the wake of Oklahoma’s transgender bathroom ban, which mandates that students use restrooms that align with the sex listed on their birth certificates. This legislation, signed into law by the state’s Republican-led government, has been widely criticized for its discriminatory nature and potential negative impact on transgender and nonbinary students.
The incident at Owasso High School has shed light on a problematic connection within Oklahoma. One of Nex’s teachers, Tyler Wrynn, was featured in a video by Libs of TikTok, a far-right and controversial social media account known for posting anti-transgender content. The account, run by Chaya Raichik, has been associated with multiple bomb threats across Oklahoma, leading to serious concerns about the spread of harmful ideologies.
The tragic death of Nex Benedict has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and concerned individuals have placed blame on the inflammatory and hateful posts by Chaya Raichik, as well as the lawmakers responsible for passing the transgender bathroom ban. Freedom Oklahoma, an LGBTQ+ organization, issued a statement holding Raichik and Oklahoma’s lawmakers accountable for the harm caused to Nex.
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The Owasso Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the assault and subsequent death of Nex Benedict. Detectives are currently awaiting the autopsy report and toxicology results for further insights into the incident. No charges have been filed as of yet, as the cause of death is still under investigation by the state medical examiner’s office.
The tragic incident involving Nex Benedict highlights the urgent need to address the safety and well-being of transgender and nonbinary students in schools. Studies have shown that a significant number of transgender students feel unsafe due to their gender identity, and they are more likely to be threatened or attacked while at school compared to their cisgender peers. It is crucial to create inclusive environments that protect and support all students.
Educational leaders play a crucial role in fostering inclusive environments and ensuring the safety of all students. The incident in Owasso raises questions about the actions taken by the school administration and their response to incidents of bullying and discrimination. It is essential for educational leaders to actively address and combat transphobia within their schools and communities.
