After the Medical Examiner determined that Nex Benedict, passed away by death, emotions are pouring in.
Nex Benedict, 16, was a non- linear student at Owasso High School who died on February 8, 2024, the day after a college encounter. Benedict’s death was documented on page 1 of the document, where it was stated that a mix of diphenhydramine and hydrochloride was morphine. Some people think Benedict was the target of bullying because of their non-binary status.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden said in a statement that he is committed to ending bias and the American murder problems.
The latest loss of Nex Benedict has both Jill and I in shock. Every young person deserves to feel safe and supported in their neighborhoods and at school, and have the basic right to be who they are. Nex Benedict, a person who only wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us now.
Some of the bravest Americans I know are transgender and nonbinary individuals. However, being themselves does not require being brave. In honor of Nex, we had all reaffirm our commitment to putting an end to discrimination and address the suicide issue that affects too many transgender and nonbinary children. No one should be subject to the same kind of bullying as Nex was, because bullying is violent and terrible. Parents and educational institutions may acquire bullying reports really. My prayers are with Nex’s family, associates, and all who loved them – and to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this horror feels so individual, know this: I will always have your back.
To LGBTQI+ young people all over the nation, you are loved simply as you are. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or single, you may call or text 988, the National Crisis Hotline, and dial the number ‘ 3’ to talk to a consultant who has been specifically trained to help LGBTQI+ children. – President Joe Biden
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The School area, important LGBTQ community members, and various Oklahoma officials have made statements about the findings, some of which are contradictory.
To students and parents, the Owasso Public Schools sent the following information:
Ram Family,
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s description statement regarding the death of Owasso High School student Nex Benedict was released this day. On the Facebook page of the Owasso Police Department can be found a copy of the research release.
The loss of Nex, a part of the Ram Family and the Owasso society, is devastating. We are aware that students and staff members may have more emotions, feelings, and emotions as a result of the information released today.
The district employs an expert team of lawyers that are available to students and staff every day because each individual may react differently. Any student who wishes to see a therapist can do so by going to the counseling department or by scheduling an appointment by emailing their therapist. Call 988 for access to free and personal assets if you or someone you know needs assistance outside of school days, 7 days a week. Also, the Crisis Text Line is available for personal problems support by texting HELLO to 741741.
OPS continues to be concerned about the safety and well-being of our students and staff as we grieve up. In the days to come, come keep leaning on one another.
Attorney General of Oklahoma Gentner Drummond wrote his speech on X, previously known as Twitter, claiming that the results indicate that abuse may have played a significant role.
My heart breaks as a result of Nex Benedict ‘ tragic passing. I’m even more worried about how taunting contributed to this terrible loss thanks to the Medical Examiner’s death getting. According to experts, social media, harassment, and a number of other factors are causing a rash of suicides among younger people, especially among excluded and frightened youth. In addition to putting more emphasis on mental health services, it’s possible that this issue will need to be addressed. It might mean rejecting the violence of our youngest generations as a result of our interactions with other kids, adults, and algorithms. – Mackenzie
The leader of the Human Rights Campaign, Kelley Robinson, released the following speech, asking for a full inspection to be made:
We send our children to school hoping that they will be protected and well-cared for as parents. Nex should still be here today because so many people did n’t. As their dearest child, an adolescent with a promising future, struggles to accept the devastating reality that their beloved child is no longer making the world a better place, we hold their family in our souls.
Following more than a year of abuse and harassment at college, Nex passed away the following day after being unconscious in a classroom. This is terrible. And we’ve heard from so many parents and students that Owasso Public Schools have a tradition of abuse and abuse, and that many of the staff knew about it and took no steps to stop it.
We reiterate our call for a full and complete inspection. Young folks in Oklahoma and throughout the nation deserve to be respected and protected at school.
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Sarah Kate Ellis, the president and CEO of GLAAD, issued the following speech and reiterated their position that Benedict was a failure:
There is nothing in this one-page report that can be used to explain why the medical examiner checked a field. Media must have realized by now that they must continue to question what they receive from Oklahoma’s law enforcement and government institutions, who have so far failed to adequately safeguard susceptible students and provide information that is crucial for student safety. Nex Benedict’s household and Oklahoma’s full state deserve much more explanations and accountability from those tasked with protecting Nex and all of its young people. What remains true: Nex Benedict and all LGBTQ and Two Spirit, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming ( 2STGNC+ ) youth deserve a world that fights for them to be themselves, to be free from state- sponsored bullying and discrimination. All media outlets that have covered Nex’s demise and the actions of government officials before, during, and after his death must continue to demand transparency from state leaders regarding how they are working to protect all young people from harm and when they will cease their relentless attacks that have been shown to cause damage. Our thoughts are with Nex’s home and all those who are grieving this horrible loss and the intolerable violence that came along with it. It is still necessary for all class environments to accept abuse in all its varieties.
In comparison, Oklahoma’s State Superintendent Ryan Walters called Benedict’s death a tragic loss but also attacked the “woke rabble” for pushing a fake narrative.
Statement from Walters ‘ business:
The loss of our scholar in Owasso is horrible for the home, the community, and our condition. One of the biggest challenges to our democracy is the support of LGBTQ organizations, and I’m more than previously committed to not back down against a woke mob.
