OWASSO, Okla. — An inquiry initiated by federal authorities into an Oklahoma school district has culminated in an agreement to establish measures aimed at preventing sexual discrimination and harassment. This development comes in the wake of the tragic death of a nonbinary student that has prompted significant concern and scrutiny.
The incident involved 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a student at Owasso High School, whose death occurred in February, following an altercation with several girls in a bathroom. The state’s medical examiner classified the death as a suicide, and no legal charges were brought against anyone concerning the fight.
In March, the U.S. Department of Education began its investigation into the school district. This action was prompted by a request from the Human Rights Campaign, an organization dedicated to promoting equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. They urged the Department to assess the district’s “inadequate response to sex-based harassment that may have played a role in Nex’s tragic passing.”
The investigation uncovered that when school administrators received reports about Nex and two other individuals who may have been subjected to sexual harassment, the district did not take the required steps. Specifically, they failed to inform the parents about the situation, did not provide guidance on how to lodge a formal complaint, and neglected to offer any supportive services that are mandated under federal Title IX regulations.
Additionally, the investigation highlighted a history of issues over the past three years, illustrating that the district had been notified of potential harassment incidents yet repeatedly did not adequately communicate the complaint procedures or provide supportive resources to those affected.
Among the alarming findings of the inquiry were allegations that a teacher had been engaging in inappropriate behavior on social media, targeting female students, and that numerous students had endured derogatory slurs, harassment, and even physical assaults.
In response to these findings, Owasso Superintendent Margaret Coates addressed parents in a letter, emphasizing that the district’s agreement to voluntarily resolve the situation underscores its commitment to cultivating an environment devoid of discrimination and harassment for all students.
Moving forward, the district has pledged to reach out to the parents of those impacted by sexual harassment, release a public statement denouncing harassment, reassess its policies for alignment with federal guidelines, and implement training programs for both staff and students, among other measures.