U.S. President Joe Biden issued a heartfelt statement on Thursday addressing the recent death of Nex Benedict, a transgender Oklahoma teen whose passing on Feb. 8, a day after a fight at Owasso High School, was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner's office. The president's message drew attention to the ongoing suicide crisis impacting nonbinary and transgender children and called for an end to discrimination and bullying.
"Jill and I are heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict," Biden said in his statement. "Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are, and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities. Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today."
The president urged parents and schools to take reports of bullying seriously and reminded LGBTQ youth that they are loved exactly as they are. He also encouraged those feeling overwhelmed or alone to call or text 988, the National Crisis Hotline, and dial "3" to speak with a counselor specifically trained to support LGBTQ youth.
According to friends and family, Nex, who used he and they pronouns, was involved in a fight at Owasso High School's West Campus on Feb. 7. Nex told police that three students "jumped" him after he threw water on them because they were bullying him and his friend for the way they dressed. Sue Benedict, Nex's mother, had previously mentioned that Nex was bullied due to his gender identity.
The Oklahoma medical examiner's office released a summary report on Wednesday, finding that Nex died by suicide, with the probable cause of death being the "combined toxicity" of two drugs, one available over the counter and the other by prescription. The full report is set to be released on March 27.
BREAKING: Transgender student Nex Benedict died by suicide according to a medical examiner report *not* head trauma from the fight.
16-year-old Nex Benedict died days after a fight at Owasso High School in Oklahoma. LGBTQ activists immediately jumped on the opportunity and… pic.twitter.com/qhBo1Pairp — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 13, 2024
Reactions to the medical examiner's findings have been mixed, with some officials and members of the LGBTQ community challenging the results and calling for a full investigation. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed concern that bullying played a major role in Nex's death, while State Superintendent Ryan Walters called the death a tragic loss but also attacked the "woke mob" for pushing a false narrative.
LGBTQ organizations, such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD, have reiterated their call for a complete investigation and accountability from those charged with keeping Nex and all youth safe. They argue that the school and state failed Benedict and that the culture of bullying and harassment is pervasive at Owasso Public Schools.
The Owasso Public Schools issued a message to students and parents, acknowledging the devastating loss of Nex and emphasizing the availability of counseling services for students and staff. The district remains focused on the safety and well-being of its students and staff as they mourn together.
LGBTQ youth face a disproportionate risk of suicide, as evidenced by a 2022 survey conducted by The Trevor Project. The survey found that more than 40% of respondents ages 13 to 24 seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, with even higher rates among trans and nonbinary youth in Oklahoma.
The Department of Education has opened a federal investigation into Owasso Public Schools for allegedly failing to address previous complaints of discrimination from students. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest LGBTQ rights group.
As the nation grapples with the tragedy of Nex Benedict's death, President Biden's statement serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the suicide crisis among LGBTQ youth and to create a society where every young person feels safe, supported, and accepted for who they are.
