Tragic End for Non-Binary Teen at Oklahoma School Spurs Biden's Call for LGBTQ+ Protections
March 14, 202416-year-old non-binary student Nex Benedict died by suicide following a physical assault by classmates at Owasso High School in Oklahoma.
Medical examiner reported death due to toxicity from diphenhydramine and fluoxetine, with body cam footage capturing emergency room examination post-altercation.
President Joe Biden called for stronger protections for transgender and nonbinary children in response to the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of bullying.
The U.S. Department of Education is conducting a civil rights investigation into the school's handling of sex-based bullying allegations.
A full report from the Oklahoma chief medical examiner on Nex's death is forthcoming, with potential charges related to the altercation and death still undetermined.
Amidst an ongoing police investigation and an independent inquiry by Nex's family, Biden urged a collective effort to combat discrimination and the high suicide rates among transgender and nonbinary youth.
LGBTQ youth at risk of suicide are encouraged to seek help through available hotlines, including the TrevorLifeline, the Rainbow Youth Project, and the US National Crisis Hotline.
Summary based on 18 sources
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Sources
BBC News • Mar 14, 2024
Nex Benedict: Oklahoma teenager died by suicide, autopsy saysThe Guardian • Mar 14, 2024
Oklahoma medical examiner rules death of teen Nex Benedict as a suicideTime • Mar 14, 2024
Nex Benedict’s Death Ruled a Suicide by Oklahoma Medical ExaminerYahoo News • Mar 14, 2024
Death of nonbinary teen after school fight ruled a suicide