Federal Investigation Launched into School's Handling of Transgender Student's Death

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Owasso Public Schools' response to harassment following the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict after a school bathroom fight.

Federal investigation opened into Owasso Public Schools following the death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old transgender student, after a school bathroom altercation.
Investigation aims to determine if the school district failed to respond appropriately to sex-based harassment, potentially contributing to Benedict's death.
Benedict's death has sparked national attention, highlighting concerns over the safety and treatment of LGBTQ+ students in schools.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of Oklahoma's restrictive laws and policies for LGBTQ+ students, amid a broader national debate on transgender rights.
Preliminary autopsy findings indicate Benedict's death was not directly caused by trauma from the fight, but the exact cause remains under investigation.