John Doberstein, editor
The U.S. Department of State is opening an investigation into Owasso Public Schools following a complaint filed by the Human Rights Campaign in the death last month of non-binary high school student Nex Benedict.
USDOE said in a letter to HRC Director Kelly Robinson on Friday that the Office for Civil Rights is investigating the “following issues.” The first question is whether the school district “failed to respond appropriately, in accordance with the law, to the alleged harassment of students.” Title IX Requirements. ”
The second issue is whether OPS “failed to adequately respond to allegations of harassment against students in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 504 and Title II.”
HRC alleged that OPS discriminated against students at Owasso High School during the 2023-2024 school year by failing to adequately respond to sexual harassment of which it had been notified.
Benedict's death, which came a day after he got into an argument with students in a school bathroom, became an emotional flashpoint. Owasso police conducted their own investigation, releasing surveillance footage from the high school and an interview with Benedict and releasing preliminary autopsy results, an unusual move in an ongoing investigation.
Police said an autopsy determined that Benedict's death was not caused by foul play or injuries sustained in the fight. But many others remain skeptical and blame the district. Several candlelight vigils were held in Benedict's honor last week, and there were strikes at schools.
The Education Department said OCR will be a “neutral fact-finder who will gather and analyze relevant evidence from (HCR), school districts, and other sources as appropriate.”
HRC, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona calling on their respective departments to respond to Benedict's death. requested that an investigation be launched into the situation.
Robinson's letter said both departments have the necessary enforcement mechanisms in place to prevent similar tragedies from happening and will “help hold accountable those responsible for Nex's tragic death.” It's dark.
The full text of the letter to Attorney General Garland can be found here. The full text of the letter to Secretary Cardona can be found here.