• Mike Simons Tulsa World

Owasso High School students gathered outside the east campus Monday to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and stricter anti-bullying policies in the wake of Nex Benedict’s death.

OWASSO — Dozens of people, including Owasso High School students, gathered outside the East Campus on Monday to advocate for LGBTQ rights and stricter anti-bullying policies in the wake of Nex Benedict’s death.

Seniors Kadence Morris (third from left) and Delphi Lewis observe a moment of silence with others during a student walkout Monday at Owasso High School in response to the death of Nex Benedict. Activists and groups from outside school participated, as well.

Benedict, 16, who identified as nonbinary and used gender-neutral pronouns, died Feb. 8, one day after being involved in a fight inside a restroom at Owasso High School.

Detectives are now investigating details and evidence relating to the Feb. 7 altercation after ruling out physical trauma as a cause of death, based on preliminary autopsy results from the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office.

The peaceful rally, held at 86th Street North and 129th East Avenue, provided a platform for students to speak out about Benedict’s high-profile death as “speculation and misinformation,” as cited by the school district, continue to spread amid public outcry over whether the sophomore was the target of a hate crime.

Olivia Cotter (left) and Finn Allen protest in front of Owasso High School during a student walkout Monday in response to the death of Nex Benedict.

“It’s important to me that people are treated fairly,” OHS student and Equality Club Vice President Allasyn Speed told the Owasso Reporter. “Owasso doesn’t really do much about the whole bullying thing. I feel like it’s swept underneath the rug and kids aren’t really cared for.”

Kane, who declined to give a last name, serves as the communications officer for the Equality Club and added: “I would like the school to really take accountability for their lack of action when it comes to bullying. I’d also really like a policy change.”

Cassidy Brown, in coordination with the Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma and Oklahomans for Equality, partnered with the OHS Equality Club to host Monday’s event.

“I think that’s the expectation is that we make a change and we have an advocacy for the LGBTQ community here because it doesn’t exist,” Brown told the Owasso Reporter. “We would not be in the predicament that we’re in now if the bullying didn’t exist.”

In an email to the Owasso Reporter on Monday, Owasso Public Schools commented in response to those students and others who are calling for the district’s bullying policies to be improved in the aftermath of Benedict’s death.

“The safety and security of our students is our top priority, and we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Bullying in any form is unacceptable. We take reports of bullying very seriously and have policies and procedures in place to address such behavior. All reported bullying accusations are investigated by administrators at the school site in which they occur, and are reviewed by the district’s Director of Safety and Security,” the statement reads.

“We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences bullying to speak up and report it to a parent, teacher, coach, administrator or any trusted adult. Individuals can also share their concerns and report bullying, even anonymously, by visiting the district’s Bullying Prevention page. It is important for students to know that they are not alone and that their voices will be heard.”

Other demonstrators, including former Owasso students as well as members and advocates of the LGBTQ community, joined current students in showing their support for the cause.

Senior Isaac Duffield (center) and others protest in front of Owasso High School during Monday’s student walkout in response to the death of Nex Benedict.

Many of them held signs: “Rest in power Nex,” “Trans youth belong here,” “Hope will never be silent,” “Encourage don’t belittle; embrace their individuality” and “Protect queer students! Protect our students!! Stop the hate, stop the bullying.”

While students and other demonstrators rallied on the north end of the intersection, a small group of other LGBTQ activists gathered to the south. They engaged in a verbal confrontation with a member of the Official Street Preachers organization who protested against the group and held a sign that read, “AIDS: Judgment or cure?”

Police briefly intervened to break up an alleged physical altercation between one LGTBQ activist and the street preacher. No arrests were made.

The investigation into Benedict’s death is ongoing. The latest update revealed police body cam footage in which Benedict explains to an officer the circumstances that led to the fight.

Nikita Payne (right), who is not an Owasso student, protests Monday during a student walkout at Owasso High School.

Police released surveillance footage from a hallway at Owasso High School showing Benedict walking to an administrative office following the fight. The agency also released audio of 911 calls made by Benedict’s mother on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9.

Additional evidence collected from a police search at OHS will accompany pending toxicology and other ancillary testing results, in addition to Benedict’s official autopsy report, which will be available at a later date.

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Feb. 25, 2024 photos by Mike Simons, Tulsa World. Benedict’s high-profile death has caught the attention of millions across the globe.

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art.haddaway@owassoreporter.com