– Federal officials investigate Oklahoma school nonbinary teenager’s death
– Investigation into Oklahoma school nonbinary teenager’s death by federal officials.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Federal Investigation Launched into Oklahoma School District Following Tragic Death of Nonbinary Teen

Federal officials have announced that they will be opening an investigation into the Oklahoma school district where a nonbinary 16-year-old high school student, Nex Benedict, tragically passed away last month. The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter on Friday to address concerns raised by the Human Rights Campaign regarding the handling of sex-based harassment at Owasso High School.

Benedict’s family has alleged that the teen was a victim of bullying at the school, which may have contributed to their untimely death. The incident in question occurred in a girl’s bathroom at the school, where Benedict was involved in a fight before passing away the following day. According to the family, Benedict identified as nonbinary and preferred the use of they/them pronouns.

Investigation Launched Following Allegations of Failure to Address Harassment

The letter from the Office for Civil Rights within the Department of Education stated that the investigation would focus on whether the school district failed to adequately respond to allegations of harassment. While police have not disclosed the cause of death, they have confirmed that it was not a direct result of the altercation that took place on February 8.

Owasso Public Schools have released a statement acknowledging the receipt of the investigation notice. The district has refuted the allegations of misconduct and has expressed its willingness to cooperate with federal officials during the investigation process.

Family Claims Harassment Due to Nonbinary Identity

While the exact circumstances leading to the fight remain unclear, Benedict’s family has asserted that the teen faced harassment because of their nonbinary identity. Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson has called for urgent action from the Department of Education to ensure justice for Nex and to create a safer environment for all students at Owasso High School.

Following the altercation, Benedict sought medical attention but unfortunately passed away the next day. Reports indicate that the teen had sustained visible injuries, including bruises on their face and eyes, during the encounter involving a transgender student and three other individuals.

School District Responds to Allegations

In response to the investigation, the school district has maintained that the students involved were only in the restroom for a brief period before the altercation was halted by other students and a staff member. The district has affirmed its commitment to addressing any issues raised during the investigation process.

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Federal officials investigate Oklahoma school nonbinary teenager death
Oklahoma school nonbinary teenager death investigation by Federal officials.