Former student describes brutal culture of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying at Nex Benedict’s high school | LGBTQNation

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ NATION.

The sentiment echoed by the student resonates with the experiences of many: officials at Owasso High School turn a blind eye to bullying.

Just over two months following the tragic passing of Nex Benedict, a transgender teenager, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has unveiled a new advertisement. In it, an alum of Owasso High School recounts firsthand the culture of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying she encountered at the same school Benedict attended.

Benedict’s passing on February 8 occurred shortly after a violent altercation with three fellow students in an Owasso High School bathroom. While ruled a likely suicide by the Oklahoma state medical examiner, the incident has sparked national attention to the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students within the Owasso school district and across Oklahoma. Benedict, described by friends as identifying as transgender and predominantly using he/him pronouns, had reported being targeted by the three students, who allegedly assaulted him because of his gender identity until he lost consciousness.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have condemned both the school and the Owasso Police Department for their handling of the altercation preceding Nex Benedict’s tragic passing, as well as the pervasive culture of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying reported by current and former students. In February, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Kelley Robinson urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to initiate a Department of Justice investigation into Benedict’s death. Robinson also reached out to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, urging the department to utilize its enforcement tools to prevent similar tragedies in the future. In March, the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into the Owasso Public School District.

The HRC advertisement, unveiled on Monday, features Marley H., a 2022 Owasso graduate, who sheds light on school officials’ neglect in addressing anti-LGBTQ+ bullying. Recounting an incident on a school trip, Marley describes a teacher’s refusal to intervene when another student repeatedly used derogatory language targeting her and her peers.

“It’s painful to realize that not only do your teachers fail to support you personally, but if a student bullies, harasses, or belittles you, they won’t take action,” she shares. “It fosters an environment where reporting issues feels futile.”

Addressing teachers who turn a blind eye to bullying and harassment, Marley emphasizes, “Consider the consequences faced by students like Nex Benedict. That’s the severity of the situation. That’s the result when you witness something and remain silent.”

Marley’s testimony echoes the sentiments of other current and former Owasso students who participated in a walkout in late February. Despite Owasso Public Schools’ official prohibition of bullying in its student conduct code, students told NBC News they were unaware of the district’s bullying policies and doubted the school’s willingness to address complaints.

“Even if an incident occurs, there’s no incentive to approach administrators or teachers because nothing will change,” remarked Ally, a senior at Owasso and a friend of Benedict’s. “I’ve witnessed this repeatedly with my friends.”

Marley points out a “trickle-down effect,” wherein students are exposed to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from their parents, who, in turn, hear similar rhetoric from Oklahoma Republicans advocating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. “These children hear their parents’ words. And these children go to school. The rhetoric passed down from elected officials to parents to children then impacts entire school districts.”

At the forefront of these elected officials is Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters (R), known for his anti-LGBTQ+ stance. Even prior to Benedict’s tragic passing gaining national attention, Walters faced criticism from both Republican and Democratic state lawmakers for appointing Chaya Raichik, the figure behind the anti-LGBTQ+ platform “Libs of TikTok,” to Oklahoma’s library advisory committee in January.

Following Benedict’s death, a letter dated February 28 addressed to the Oklahoma state legislature, signed by over 350 public figures and LGBTQ+ rights groups, called for Walters’ removal. Additionally, in March, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) initiated “Walters Watch,” a campaign aimed at holding Walters accountable for what the organization perceives as his “extremist rhetoric and mismanagement of Oklahoma schools,” contributing to a climate of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and harassment.

Kelley Robinson, in a statement, acknowledged the courage of students from Owasso and elsewhere in Oklahoma who have spoken out against bullying and harassment perpetuated by figures like Ryan Walters. Robinson emphasized Marley’s story as both heartbreaking and enraging, asserting that there is a path forward. She emphasized the importance of speaking out against injustices, making it harder for the truth to be ignored. Robinson concluded that the first step towards healing is for Ryan Walters to step down.

For those in crisis or in need of support, assistance is available. You can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. The Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860) offers support staffed by transgender individuals without involving law enforcement. The Trevor Project provides a safe and judgment-free platform for youth to chat, text (678-678), or call (1-866-488-7386). Support is offered in both English and Spanish at all three resources.