On February 8th, a transgender student died in Owasso, Oklahoma. Nex Benedict (He/they), a 16-year-old at Owasso public high school, went to their lawful restroom for their sex assigned at birth on February 7th. They were attacked by three students for their identity. the Owasso Public High School district bullying policy states “Bullying is expressly forbidden and students who bully are subject to disciplinary consequences as outlined in the districts policy on student behavior(5.13). Although they say this, nothing has been done to discipline the three girls who assaulted Nex. Nex was supposed to have two weeks of suspension after the altercation. Although this altercation occurred, it’s still not certain how Nex Benedict died. Nex Benedict allegedly committed suicide, which can be inferred from their autopsy report. The pathologists stated that Nex did overdose on a combination of antidepressants and allergy medicine, this information is not said to be accurate or not. Overall, Nex’s story should be remembered as a lesson to show how close-mindedness and hate-based violence can harm any individuals life. Rest in power, Nex Benedict.
