In February, the news of the tragic death of Nex Benedict, a gender non-conforming teen, shocked the nation. The day after three female students attacked Nex in an Owasso, Oklahoma, school bathroom, Benedict's mother found them unconscious at home. Unfortunately, doctors would pronounce Nex Benedict dead soon after they arrived at the hospital.

Even though schools are obligated to take action when students are facing harassment and bullying, it is not uncommon for them to miss the mark. If your student's school is failing to help them combat bullying and harassment that leads to threats, attacks, or self-harm, contact the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm today. Our team can inform you of the options available for a civil claim against the school. You can contact us by calling 888.535.3686 or sending us a message through our website.

Bullying, Harassment, and Injuries: What We Know about the Case

Despite more than an entire month passing and national attention on the case, details about Nex's death are not well known. Initial reports from Benedict's mother mentioned symptoms similar to those resulting from brain injuries. However, the Owasso Police Department's conclusions indicated that trauma from the altercation was not the cause of death.

Nex Benedict identified as nonbinary and was no stranger to bullying, attacks, and intimidation during school hours. After the physical altercation in the school bathroom, Nex and their mother talked with a school resource officer and described the harassment Nex was facing. Despite school officials knowing that Nex and a classmate were commonly on the receiving end of nasty comments and bullying, no serious action was taken.

Regardless of the exact reason for Nex's passing, their school should have done more to help. You have options available to you to get help if your student faces bullying and harassment that leads to harm.

Assistance Available When Your Child Is Harmed at School

Nex Benedict did not receive help from their school to combat the harassment that led to their attack. If your student suffers harm at school, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team can offer various forms of assistance, including:

• Utilizing the anti-bullying laws in your state to protect your student and prevent harm while at school.
• Filing claims for bullying-related harms.
• Seeking economic and non-economic damages for your student.
• Defending your student against potential disciplinary charges.

Even if your student is not physically harmed on school grounds, harassment can lead to self-harm. Either way, no student should be harmed as they pursue their right to an education.

The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team

Schools should be a safe place where children learn and grow into leaders of the next generation. Consult with the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team if your student suffers harm or resorts to self-harm because of bullying and harassment at school. Contact our team today through our website or by phone at 888.535.3686 to learn how we can help protect your student and fight for what is right.