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Enough is enough! Oklahomans — and every kid across the country — deserve better.
Nex Benedict should be alive and deserves justice.
Nex (he/they), a 16-year-old student at a public high school in Oklahoma, died on February 8, 2024. Their tragic death, after being brutally assaulted in their high school following months of bullying and harassment, is a gut-wrenching tragedy that exposes a chilling reality many of us fear.
The culture of bullying and harassment in the Owasso School District, and throughout the state of Oklahoma, has been well-documented. We demand #JusticeForNex and reiterate our call for a full investigation into the school district, State Superintendent Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and into the response after Nex was attacked.
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary high school student, loved nature and watching the television show The Walking Dead. Nex enjoyed drawing, reading and playing Ark and Minecraft. On February 7, 2024, Nex was brutally and viciously beaten inside a bathroom at Owasso High School in Owasso, Oklahoma.
More About NexNicole McAfee, Executive Director of Freedom Oklahoma, shares her thoughts following the tragic death of Nex Benedict, fighting policies from State Superintendent of Education Ryan Walters, and finding hope in the people fighting for the rights of trans and non-binary youth across the country.
Read MoreWelcoming Schools provides educators with the tools and training they need to embrace teachable moments, interrupt bias-based bullying, support transgender and non-binary students, and be prepared to answer important questions about LGBTQ+ and gender topics with students and families.
Find Tools and TrainingsEducation officials have horrifically failed to protect Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary Oklahoma high school student. Their death, after being brutally assaulted in their high school following months of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and bullying, is a gut-wrenching tragedy that exposes a chilling reality many fear: Extremists are bringing the politics of hate into our schools and making our kids pay the price.
Access our databases to learn more about the equality issues or protections that exist in your state, municipality, or employer. Discover which laws are affecting your city, or find local healthcare facilities taking part in non-discrimination practices.
Read letters to LGBTQ+ youth all around the country from HRC community members letting them know they are loved and that we will do everything we can to protect them.
Since 2013, the Human Rights Campaign has tracked incidents of fatal trans violence— the same year the Federal Bureau of Investigation began reporting on hate crimes motivated by anti-trans bias— and provided action items that can help end the violence.
Our hearts are with Nex's family and community as they grieve the loss of a young life gone too soon. Within this kit, you’ll find ways we can collectively take action and help turn this pain into power.
Download Rallying Kit