GLSEN Condemns Hate Speech Following Murder of Nonbinary Oklahoma Student

For Immediate Release: February 21, 2024

Contact: press@glsen.org

GLSEN Condemns Hate Speech and Stands in Solidarity With LGBTQI+ Students Following Murder of Nonbinary Oklahoma Student

February 21, 2024 – GLSEN, the non-profit organization providing support and resources to LGBTQ+ youth in grades K-12, mourns the sudden and brutal murder of Nex Benedict, an Oklahoma nonbinary student. Nex passed away following a physical assault from other students resulting in severe injuries that were not immediately addressed. Instead of supporting Nex, Owasso High School sent them home bloodied and bruised without notifying police or seeking urgent medical attention, which led to their death the following day.

According to their mother, Sue Benedict, Nex had been bullied for over a year at the school with little to no support from faculty and staff. Hate speech, especially hate speech enshrined in state bills like Oklahoma’s transphobic bathroom ban, fuels hate crimes and leaves vulnerable students unprotected and defenseless.

GLSEN’s Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) provided the following statement condemning the lack of supportive action from Owasso City Schools:

“The murder of Nex Benedict is devastating. The fact that the mob killing of this child was carried out by other children is a chilling reminder of the influence adults hold over young minds. When adults propagate extremist ideologies and fuel the spread of hate, it's sadly not surprising that hate crimes ensue.

“We must name the role that individuals and legislation have played in this murder.

“Nex's life was taken due to anti-trans hatred peddled by Chaya Raichik (Libs of TikTok), bigoted school leaders, and extremist state legislators. These adults must be held accountable for their actions and words. Hate speech, especially when enshrined into law as demonstrated by Oklahoma's transphobic bathroom ban, not only empowers children to commit atrocious acts of violence but also desensitizes the adults in their environment, fostering a culture of callousness and disregard for human life.

“The tragic reality is that the youth who inflicted fatal injuries upon Nex were indoctrinated with hatred, fed lies, and instilled with a profound fear of trans individuals. This indoctrination was so potent that they felt justified in carrying out a deadly assault on their peer in a school bathroom.

“All children should be able to go to school and come home alive. Trans, non-binary and queer kids should be able to go to school and come home alive. As we grieve this loss, we persist in our fight against extremists who attempt to use our education system to further hate and to erase queer youth.

“We will honor Nex's memory by tirelessly advocating for every child in our education system to be regarded with respect, supported, and affirmed.

“We insist that all children be taught the truth of the world around them.

“We insist that our education system produces youth who foster connections and compassion towards others, equipped with the courage and capabilities to construct a society that we, as adults, have struggled to establish—a society where every individual is embraced and valued.

“Rest in power, Nex.”

Those looking for support in Oklahoma and beyond can reference the following life-saving resources:

  • To anyone seeking community in this time of collective grieving:
    • Virtual: Freedom Oklahoma hosts virtual monthly community groups. Register to join those spaces here
    • In Person: Rural Oklahoma Pride has planned a vigil for Nex on February 24th at Point A Gallery in Oklahoma City on Saturday evening
  • GLSEN Resources:
    • Supportive Educator Resources including guides, training, and lesson plans available here
    • LGBTQI+ Students can read about their federal protections and learn how to file a civil rights complaint here
  • Additional Resources:
    • Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860)
    • Trevor Project (call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678)
    • LGBT Hotline (888-843-4564)

For press inquiries, please reach out to:

GLSEN
Madison Hamilton, Director of Communications and Public Voice
press@glsen.org

Lucky Break PR
Mark Umbach, Lucky Break PR
mark@luckybreakpr.com

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About GLSEN

GLSEN is a multi-racial intergenerational LGBTQ+ organization working nationally and locally to transform K-12 educational systems in the United States. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state, and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ+ students across the United States and helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQ+ issues in education.