“Nex Benedict: Tragic Death of Non-Binary Student in Owasso High School Bathroom Assault”

Nonbinary student attacked in Oklahoma high school bathroom

Nonbinary student fatally beaten by group in Oklahoma school bathroom.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : ## Tragic Death of Non-Binary Student in Oklahoma High School

In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the community of Owasso, Oklahoma, a sophomore student named Nex Benedict tragically passed away after being severely beaten by three older female students in a high school bathroom. Nex, who identified as non-binary, was involved in a fight on February 7th, alongside a transgender student, against the three older girls. During the altercation, Nex was knocked to the ground, hitting their head and sustaining severe head injuries.

According to Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, the fight was broken up by other students and a school staff member who were present in the restroom. Nex had been facing bullying due to their gender identity since early 2023, in a climate where anti-transgender sentiments have been on the rise. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed an anti-transgender bathroom ban in 2022, adding to the challenges faced by LGBTQ students in the state.

In text messages revealed posthumously by the family, Nex expressed frustration over the bullying they and their friends had been subjected to. Nex mentioned pouring water on the girls who had been harassing them, leading to a physical altercation. The school reportedly failed to call for medical assistance or involve law enforcement, and Nex was later suspended for two weeks.

Nex, described as a straight-A student who enjoyed video games and was devoted to their cat Zeus, was taken to Bailey Medical Center for treatment following the incident. Tragically, Nex collapsed the next morning while getting ready for an appointment in Tulsa and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The family of Nex released a statement urging a thorough and fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding their death. The Owasso Police Department indicated that preliminary information from the medical examiner’s office suggested that Nex did not die as a result of trauma from the altercation.

The tragic loss of Nex comes at a time of heightened hostility towards LGBTQ individuals in Oklahoma and across the United States. The Republican-led campaign against public education and equality has targeted transgender and LGBTQ students, with discriminatory laws and policies limiting their rights and access to healthcare.

The appointment of Chaya Raichik to the Oklahoma Department of Education’s Library Media Advisory Committee, known for her anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and incitement, has further fueled the climate of intolerance in the state. Raichik’s actions have had real-world consequences, including the firing of a pro-LGBTQ teacher in Nex’s school district.

The failure of authorities to address the systemic issues contributing to incidents like Nex’s death highlights the urgent need for accountability and protection of LGBTQ youth in educational settings. The political rhetoric and policies that fuel discrimination and violence must be challenged and dismantled to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.

In the wake of this tragedy, it is essential for communities to come together to support and protect LGBTQ individuals and advocate for comprehensive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Nex’s untimely passing serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities and the urgent need for social and political change..

nonbinary student dead following beating by group in oklahoma high school bathroom

nonbinary student beating by group in oklahoma high school bathroom.