Nex Benedict, an Oklahoma 16-year-old student attending Owasso High School, died tragically earlier this month and her death has generated widespread outrage and scrutiny of how educational institutions treat LGBTQ+ youth. This article details his untimely passing and discusses its causes as well as subsequent responses by authorities and schools; its wider ramifications on LGBTQ+ students’ wellbeing are discussed as well as potential solutions.
What Have Happened to Nex Benedict?
Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student attending Owasso High School on a Wednesday, became involved in an altercation with other students which resulted in physical fighting that ended the school day without medical help being immediately summoned for them. A parent later took them to a local hospital, where unfortunately Nex passed away soon thereafter.
How Did Authorities Respond?
Owasso Police were informed about this incident after Nex’s parent brought them to hospital, though their cause of Nex’s death remains undetermined and detectives are currently conducting an investigation; no additional details were shared by Owasso Police at this time.
What Is the School’s Reaction?
Owasso Public Schools released a statement acknowledging and noting the student’s death and noting the current police investigation as it stands. They refrained from making any further comments but promised additional counselors for support of students and staff following such incidents.
Community Response and the Call for Action
Nex Benedict’s death has raised significant concern regarding educational environments that provide safety and inclusivity to LGBTQ+ youth. Advocates and community members have called upon schools to implement more inclusive policies and practices so as to reduce future tragedies involving such students, such as better support systems for them, prompter responses to incidents of violence against them and conducting an audit on how schools handle complaints of bullying or harassment against students.
Support of LGBTQ+ Youth Is Essential
Tragic events highlight the urgency for schools and communities to create safe spaces that welcome all children regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of bullying, violence and mental health concerns compared to their heterosexual or cisgender peers; educators must therefore collaborate in reducing disparities to provide every child an environment in which he/she can learn and grow safely and securely.
Moving Forward: What Can Be Done?
To prevent future tragedies, schools must enact a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying and harassment; provide staff training on LGBTQ+ issues; guarantee all students can access mental health resources; incorporate LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula; establish clear protocols for responding to incidents of violence. All these measures will work toward building an environment of mutual respect.
Nex Benedict’s death serves as an alarming reminder of the difficulty that LGBTQ+ students still face today. With investigations ongoing and his legacy left behind for all students without fear of discrimination or violence pursuing education without discrimination or violence in mind – one could argue this tragedy will prompt us all to move towards creating more inclusive societies with compassion at its center.