Over 100 Montrealers gathered on March 1 to mourn and honor the life of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a transgender student who was killed after being attacked in their Oklahoma school's bathroom. The details surrounding Benedict's death remain unclear, and the case is still under investigation, pending autopsy and toxicology results [5da583f9].
The vigil in Montreal was one of many held across Canada and the United States to memorialize Nex Benedict's passing. Attendees were encouraged to bring candles, lights, flowers, and sacred items. The vigil included a smudging ceremony and aimed to establish transnational solidarity with the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. The event was organized by the Concordia Student Union and Rising from Our Roots, with a focus on holding space for BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals in Montreal. Project 10 Montreal, a nonprofit community organization that supports 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, was mentioned as a resource for support [5da583f9].
Nex Benedict had been experiencing bullying for over a year leading up to the tragic incident. Their death has sparked renewed efforts to combat the increasing number of anti-trans bills in the United States. School officials in the Oklahoma district where Benedict attended have faced significant backlash since the incident became public. Oklahoma's superintendent for public schools, Ryan Walter, has been vocal in his anti-transgender stance. In response to a complaint filed by the Human Rights Campaign, the U.S. Department of Education has launched a federal investigation into the handling of transgender students' treatment in the district [5da583f9].
In addition to the vigil in Montreal, the Metropolitan Community Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, will hold a vigil on March 23 in honor of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teen who died on February 7 after being involved in a three-against-one fight in a high school bathroom. Nex Benedict's family reported that the teen had experienced harassment due to their nonbinary identity. Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson expressed condolences and stated that Nex Benedict's death is a result of a society and government that restricts the identities of LGBTQ+ individuals. The Metropolitan Community Church called for accountability for those who committed violence against Benedict [5bb1e933].
US President Joe Biden expressed his condolences for the death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teenager who died by suicide after an altercation with three other students. Biden called for an end to discrimination and addressed the suicide crisis impacting nonbinary and transgender children. The case has sparked outrage and calls for change in the treatment of trans and nonbinary individuals. Nex Benedict identified as nonbinary and had been bullied by fellow students for over a year. An autopsy report revealed a toxic mix of pharmaceutical drugs in their system. The US Education Department is investigating whether the school district failed to respond appropriately to the incident. The case highlights the ongoing culture war over gender issues in the United States [95350939].
On February 8, 2024, Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student from Owasso High School in Oklahoma, died after a physical altercation at the school. The incident followed months of bullying over Nex's gender identity. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, allies, and community members rallied at the Oklahoma State Capitol to demand justice for Nex and the removal of Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, who has fostered a toxic educational environment for LGBTQ+ students. The rally called for an end to the injustices faced by Nex and all LGBTQ+ youth in Oklahoma's schools. The Rainbow Youth Project reported a significant increase in crisis contacts from Oklahoma in February 2024, with 86% of callers reporting being bullied at school. LGBTQ+ leaders are calling for a Department of Justice investigation into Nex's death and the anti-LGBTQ+ climate in Oklahoma. President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing his heartbreak over Nex's death and calling for an end to bullying and discrimination. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner initially stated that Nex's death was not a result of trauma, but later backtracked and suspects foul play. The Owasso Police Department has filed a search warrant for cellphones and lockers of students involved in the altercation. The incident has sparked national outrage and calls for justice and an end to anti-LGBTQ+ hate in Oklahoma. [1bc8a43e].
U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement addressing the recent death of Nex Benedict, a transgender Oklahoma teen whose passing was ruled a suicide. Biden called for an end to discrimination and bullying and urged parents and schools to take reports of bullying seriously. He also encouraged LGBTQ youth to reach out to the National Crisis Hotline for support. Nex Benedict was involved in a fight at Owasso High School and was bullied due to their gender identity. The medical examiner's office ruled Nex's death as suicide, but there are calls for a full investigation. LGBTQ organizations are demanding accountability from the school and state. The Department of Education has opened a federal investigation into Owasso Public Schools for allegedly failing to address previous complaints of discrimination. LGBTQ youth face a disproportionate risk of suicide, and President Biden's statement highlights the need to address the crisis and create a safe and accepting society for all young people. [8be50671].
Former students and parents in Oklahoma have spoken out about the intensifying environment of anti-LGBTQ bullying in schools, following the suicide of LGBTQ teen Nex Benedict. Benedict's family claimed that the teen had experienced months of bullying after a bill was signed into law barring transgender and gender expansive youth from using bathrooms consistent with their gender identity. Oklahoma has had 54 anti-LGBTQ bills pass through the legislature. LGBTQ youth are at greater risk for poor mental health, bullying, and violence. Owasso High School alumni and parents express concerns about the lack of support from administrators and the worsening experiences of LGBTQ youth. State and local officials have responded by stating that the safety and security of students is a top priority and that bullying in any form is unacceptable. The Department of Education is investigating concerns about bullying and discrimination in Owasso Public Schools. [bf19bd57].
According to an autopsy report, Nex Benedict died by suicide at home on February 8, 2024, a day after an altercation at Oklahoma High School. The report revealed toxic levels of two drugs in their system. Nex Benedict, a member of the 2SLGBTQ community, had been bullied at school. The teenager collapsed at home and was pronounced dead. LGBTQ+ rights groups expressed concern over the incident, and both Oklahoma's governor and the White House took notice. Nex Benedict was 16 years old at the time of death, born on January 11, 2008, in El Paso, Texas. No information is available about their partner, children, or siblings. Nex Benedict's net worth is unknown as they were a student at the time. The full autopsy report is set to be released on March 27 [fdd13273].