**The Harassment Nex Benedict Faced at School**
Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teenager, endured relentless bullying at their Oklahoma high school due to their gender identity. According to reports, Nex was subjected to a vicious attack by a group of classmates in a restroom, leading to a tragic outcome the following day. The 16-year-old Indigenous individual, who embraced both he/him and they/them pronouns, had been a target of bullies for an extended period. Sue Benedict, identified as either Nex’s mother or grandmother and guardian, expressed shock at the severity of the situation.
Sue Benedict recounted to The Independent her lack of awareness regarding the extent of the bullying Nex faced. Despite the school nurse’s assessment that Nex did not require ambulance services post-attack, a medical facility visit was advised for further evaluation. Following the incident, Sue took Nex to the hospital for treatment, but encountered resistance when attempting to file a report. Body cam footage revealed a police officer discouraging the family from pursuing legal action, citing potential liability concerns.
Tragically, the day after the altercation, Nex collapsed at home and tragically passed away. The Owasso Public Schools community mourned the loss of Nex, emphasizing the impact on both the student body and the wider community. While details were limited out of respect for privacy, the community rallied together in vigils, and LGBTQ+ organizations voiced their support. The question on everyone’s mind remained: What transpired in the disappearance of Nex Benedict?
Investigating the medical examiner’s conclusions in the Nex Benedict disappearance update
An update on the disappearance of Nex Benedict reveals that the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed Benedict’s death as a suicide.
The Owasso Police department stated that right from the start of the investigation into Nex Benedict’s disappearance update, numerous signs pointed towards suicide. A preliminary autopsy report revealed that Benedict passed away from ingesting two distinct medications.
President Biden, along with many others, offered their sympathies in response to the reported developments in the Nex Benedict disappearance update.
In response to the latest update on Nex Benedict’s disappearance, Biden emphasized the importance of every young individual having the essential right to express their true selves and to experience a sense of security and encouragement both at school and within their surroundings. Biden expressed regret over the loss of Benedict, highlighting that Benedict, a young person seeking acceptance, should still be present among us today.
The president emphasized the importance of honoring Nex Benedict disappearance update by renewing our efforts to combat discrimination and tackle the alarming suicide rates among nonbinary and transgender youth.
When looking at suicide rates, transgender youth have significantly higher risks compared to their cisgender peers. However, transgender individuals of color experience even greater vulnerability to suicide.
In a study conducted in 2023 by the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to preventing LGBTQ+ suicides, it was found that among different racial and ethnic groups, Native/Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth consistently showed the highest risk of suicide. Shockingly, almost 25% of Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth reported having attempted suicide.
An update on the disappearance of Nex Benedict reveals that advocates, supporters, and even Benedict’s family have expressed doubts about the forthcoming report, scheduled for full release in the next 10 days. The summary of the autopsy did not specify the precise quantities of each medication detected in Benedict’s system.
In a statement from the legal representatives of the Benedict family, it was expressed that to prevent the proliferation of inaccurate information, the Benedicts find it necessary to share a summary of undisclosed details related to the Nex Benedict disappearance update. This includes information that disputes claims regarding the severity of the alleged assault on Nex.
Nex Benedict disappearance update
reveals a portion of the summary autopsy report indicating that although Benedict did not suffer fatal injuries, they did sustain various wounds to the head, neck, and torso. These injuries, according to the attorneys, vividly demonstrate the extent of the assault.
Sarah-Kate Ellis, the president and CEO of GLAAD, questioned the medical examiner’s decision to attribute suicide as Benedict’s cause of death in the absence of any clarification in the single-page document. This was highlighted in the Nex Benedict disappearance update.
Ellis emphasized the importance of the media’s ongoing scrutiny of the information provided by law enforcement and government officials in Oklahoma regarding the Nex Benedict disappearance update. These entities have not adequately safeguarded at-risk students or shared crucial safety-related details.
Nex Benedict disappearance update
was shared by Sue Benedict with The Independent, mentioning how Nex began facing bullying at school following the enactment of a 2022 bill by Oklahoma’s Republican governor, Kevin Stitt. The bill prohibited trans and nonbinary youth from using bathrooms aligning with their gender identities.
In 2023, Stitt enforced a prohibition on gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the state, which was part of the 87 anti-trans bills approved in the U.S. last year, as reported by the Trans Legislation Tracker.
Within the first quarter of this year, state legislatures have already introduced 523 bills targeting the transgender community.
According to trans youth, the limitations on their freedom due to these legal restrictions are directly affecting their mental well-being.
As per the findings of the Trevor Project’s research, almost 33% of LGBTQ+ young individuals expressed that their mental well-being suffered frequently or constantly because of anti-LGBTQ policies and laws.
In an official statement, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) emphasized the importance of holding our elected leaders accountable and opposing detrimental anti-transgender laws across different government levels. They also stressed the need to explore all avenues to truly put an end to this violence.
What Comes After This?
Nex Benedict disappearance update
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) informed the Human Rights Campaign on March 1 that it would investigate the Owasso public school district following an HRC complaint related to Nex Benedict’s disappearance. The investigation will focus on potential violations of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, and Title II, which mandates schools to address bullying and harassment.
The timeline for the investigation into the Nex Benedict disappearance update remains undisclosed.
In her written commentary, Perera mentioned that although the OCR has the authority to withhold federal funding from a school district upon discovering civil rights law violations, actual enforcement measures are infrequent.
An update on the disappearance of Nex Benedict indicates that the case may be forwarded to the Department of Justice for additional steps. The outcome of the inquiry and the possibility of its findings being elevated are yet to be determined.
The update on Nex Benedict’s disappearance has raised hopes for more initiatives to prevent bullying in schools.
The Benedict family’s counsel emphasized the importance of implementing reforms in schools that prioritize respect, inclusion, and grace to eradicate bullying and hate. This type of change should be supported by all parties involved.
Despite the update on Nex Benedict’s disappearance, Sue Benedict is still grieving her loss.
