Many students at an Oklahoma high school participated in a peaceful demonstration on Monday to express solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community following the passing of a non-binary teenager who was involved in a school bathroom altercation and reported being bullied.
Local law enforcement reports that on February 8, Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old student who identified as non-binary and used the pronouns they/them, passed away during a “physical altercation” with peers in the Owasso high school toilet.
Body camera footage later released by law enforcement displayed Benedict recounting the confrontation with three girls who were bothering them and some friends.
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According to NBC, around 40 students from Owasso high school staged a walkout to bring attention to what they see as a widespread issue of bullying without consequences.
“I just want to show these kids that we’re here,” Owasso graduate Cassidy Brown, who organized the protest, said to KTUL. There is a community in this city that truly exists, and we acknowledge them with love.
Nationwide Outcry Against LGBTQ+ Harassment in Benedict’s Honor
Memorial events have taken place in tribute to Benedict throughout Oklahoma and the nation, with a recent gathering at Redbud Festival Park in Owasso drawing hundreds on Sunday night. Several events were coordinated by LGBTQ+ organizations to demonstrate against the ongoing harassment faced by nonbinary teenagers.
One concerned parent, Susie Eubank, expressed that their children are fearful and anxious about attending school daily, emphasizing the urgent need for action. “My child has received direct threats.” Avoid using disrespectful terms.
According to an interview with the Independent, Benedict’s mother, Sue Benedict, revealed that her child had experienced bullying from other students due to their gender identity.
Following the signing of a bill by Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt, bullying started targeting transgender public school students who are now unable to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity.
Authorities have stated that Benedict’s passing was not due to injuries sustained during the altercation in the restroom, according to the initial findings of the postmortem examination. There have been no arrests made in connection with Benedict’s death.