California has enacted a law preventing school staff from informing parents about a child's gender identity change without the child's consent, aiming to protect LGBTQ+ students in potentially unwelcoming households. Proponents argue it safeguards student privacy and safety, while opponents believe it undermines parental rights and transparency. The law has sparked significant debate amid broader national discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and parental involvement in schools.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law making California the first state to prohibit school districts from requiring staff to notify parents if their child requests a change in gender identification. The law aims to protect LGBTQ+ students' privacy and safety, especially those in unwelcoming households, while opponents argue it reduces transparency between schools and parents. The legislation has sparked significant debate, reflecting broader national discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and parental involvement in schools.
The US Department of Education has launched an investigation into allegations of bullying at an Oklahoma high school following the death of Nex Benedict, a non-binary teen. The investigation stems from claims that the school district failed to appropriately respond to instances of harassment and discrimination. Benedict's family has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal altercation, which occurred in a women's bathroom. The case has drawn attention to the issue of school bullying and discrimination, prompting federal authorities to examine the school's compliance with Title IX and Title II protections.
The Department of Education is launching an investigation into whether the Oklahoma school district attended by late transgender student Nex Benedict failed to appropriately address sex-based harassment, following a complaint filed by the Human Rights Campaign. Benedict's death, a day after a school bathroom fight, prompted intense media attention and condemnation from LGBTQ advocates. The investigation aims to determine if the district violated Title IX, a civil rights law protecting against gender-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. The cause of Benedict's death remains unclear, and the HRC is urging urgent action for justice and safety in schools.
Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters faces calls for removal from office following the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, who was bullied for their gender identity. Walters has been criticized for anti-LGBTQ policies in state schools, including restrictions on gender-affirming care for trans youth and bans on transgender girls participating in girls' sports. LGBTQ advocates are demanding an investigation into the state Department of Education to address rampant harassment of LGBTQ students, while Walters defends his stance on gender and policies, stating that he wants to focus on the basics of education.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt called the death of a 16-year-old non-binary student a tragedy and condemned bullying, as officials investigate a possible link between the student's death and bullying over gender identity. The cause of death has not been determined, but the student's family reported harassment due to their gender identity. Governor Stitt also expressed support for a push to establish the country’s first religious school fully funded by the public, amid a lawsuit to stop the charter school's establishment.
Oklahoma police stated that the death of 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict, who died a day after a school restroom altercation, was not a result of injuries from the fight. The cause of death is pending toxicology results. The family alleges harassment due to Nex's nonbinary identity, and police are investigating the incident. The state has faced criticism for anti-trans legislation, and the community mourns the loss while advocating for accountability and safer school environments.
Nex Benedict, a non-binary, gender-fluid 16-year-old sophomore at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, died after a physical altercation in the girls' bathroom, where they suffered a blow to the head. The school suspended Nex for two weeks and failed to summon an ambulance. The state Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to officially determine the cause of death. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the treatment of LGBTQ+ students in public schools, as well as the lack of protection and support from school and state officials.
