The U.S. Department of Education has concluded that Owasso Public Schools violated federal law by mishandling sexual harassment complaints, including allegations related to the tragic death of 16-year-old transgender student, Nex Benedict. The investigation, initiated in March following a complaint from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), found that the district failed to adequately respond to repeated harassment reports, violating Title IX, a federal law designed to protect students from sex-based discrimination.
Nex Benedict’s death on February 8, 2023, was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner after a physical altercation in a high school bathroom. According to Benedict’s mother, Sue, her son had been bullied for his gender identity. The incident, which involved Benedict throwing water on students who mocked him and his friend, became a focal point for advocates who argued that the hostile environment at the school contributed to Benedict’s tragic death. Benedict’s name has since become a rallying cry for LGBTQ+ rights groups who are calling for greater protections for trans students.
The Education Department’s investigation found that Owasso Public Schools had a pattern of responding poorly to allegations of sexual harassment, in violation of Title IX regulations put in place in 2020. These regulations require schools to act promptly when harassment is reported, providing clear instructions for filing complaints and offering supportive measures such as counseling or class schedule changes. However, the investigation found that the district’s handling of harassment cases, including the bullying of Benedict, was “deliberately indifferent” to students’ civil rights.
Specific instances of mishandled harassment complaints were highlighted in the investigation, including allegations against a teacher accused of sending inappropriate messages to female students on social media, and claims that a male student repeatedly made unwelcome sexual comments and hit a female student. The investigation revealed that these complaints were either ignored or inadequately addressed by the school.
In response to the findings, Owasso Public Schools has agreed to a voluntary resolution of the Title IX complaint, though it did not admit to any legal violations. The resolution agreement requires the district to revise its policies and procedures for handling harassment claims, update its website, and implement training for staff throughout the remainder of the school year. However, the district maintains that it was not aware of any harassment severe enough to deprive students of their educational opportunities.
Superintendent Margaret Coates addressed the district’s actions in a letter to families, acknowledging the need to improve compliance with Title IX regulations but stopping short of addressing the specific findings related to Benedict’s death. The district emphasized its commitment to providing a safe environment for all students, particularly those from marginalized groups, and ensuring continued federal funding for vital student services.
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson criticized the district’s response, stating that the resolution agreement “leaves no doubt” that Owasso Public Schools had failed to protect Benedict and other vulnerable students. Robinson emphasized that the investigation’s findings show that school officials were well aware of the toxic environment but repeatedly chose inaction when faced with evidence of harassment. The HRC has called for greater accountability, stating that all students—especially trans and non-binary students—deserve equal access to a safe and quality education.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for schools to prioritize the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students, who continue to face significant challenges in educational environments across the country.
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