OWASSO, Okla. — Protesters angry at Owasso Public Schools' handling of the death of sophomore Nex Benedict disrupted the district's March school board meeting several times Monday night.
Superintendent Dr. Margaret Coates reiterated the district's written philosophy of respect in her remarks to the board:
"I'm proud that in times like this our school community continues to come together to reflect, support one another, and ensure that every student feels a sense of safety, security and belonging within our school walls."
However, her words did not get much of the crowd's respect. Multiple people were booted from the district education service center for disrupting the meeting.
Currently, no definitive cause of death is released for Benedict. The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office investigation is ongoing.
In a statement on Feb. 21, the Owasso Police Department said preliminary findings from the medical examiner's office showed Benedict did not die due to trauma.
WATCH Owasso police release surveillance, body cam footage from Nex Benedict investigation
"Ultimately the story needs to be told and somebody needs to be held accountable," Madison Hutton told 2 News before the meeting.
Hutton, a former OHS student, puts blame for Benedict's death on what she calls rampant bullying and bigotry at the high school, which she cited to the board during public comments.
"Let me be very clear: We will not allow this to continue," Hutton said. "We will not allow Nex's memory to be tarnished by negligence and indifference. We must ask you, where does it end?"
Hutton added she's started a petition for the district to fund a park bench memorializing Benedict.
Valerie Lakey, another Owasso High School alum, said before the meeting she understood the frustration many have but overall has faith in district leaders' handling of the situation.
"I definitely feel like bullying isn't as big of an issue at Owasso High School up until this point," Lakey said.
Others speaking at the meeting did not see it that way.
"Queer kids deserve safe and happy lives just as much as the straight ones do," one OPS parent remarked during public comments.
"Nex could've been my child because y'all didn't do your job. You didn't do your job," another parent said.
WATCH the full meeting:
2 News asked the district to speak with Superintendent Coates or any school board member before or after the meeting but was denied.
The district did send this message shared by Coates as part of the Superintendent's Report:
Board Members,
It’s with deep sadness that in my report tonight I address the recent loss of one of our own, Nex Benedict, a bright and promising young student. As educators, when we look into the eyes of our students we see the reflection of our own children. This is why the passing of one of our students is always a profound tragedy and difficult for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Nex’s family, friends, teachers, and all who knew Nex.
I'm proud that in times like this, our school community continues to come together to reflect, support one another, and ensure that every student feels a sense of safety, security and belonging within our school walls.
As we continue to mourn this loss together, Owasso Public Schools remains focused on the safety and well-being of students and staff. Over the past few weeks we have offered continuous counseling support for both students and staff. We have also provided additional law enforcement and security personnel at our sites. And, we will continue to cooperate with local and federal officials.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Owasso community including our law enforcement partners, business leaders, chamber partners, faith leaders, and our own school community for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. The solidarity, compassion, and kindness exhibited by our students, teachers, parents, central office staff and board members has been a source of strength for myself and many others. It is incredibly heartwarming to see our school family come together to support one another in the face of this tragedy. I’d also like to say a special thank you to High School Principal Tiffani Cooper and her administrative team along with the High School counseling team for their tireless dedication in supporting and caring for our students and staff during this incredibly challenging time.
This heartbreaking situation serves as a reminder that we must continue our focus, as outlined in our district’s strategic plan, to create a safe and nurturing environment. As we move forward with our strategic plan this is an opportunity for us to review our policies, curriculum, and programs. I remain committed to listening and collaborating with our students, families, staff and community, and I invite everyone to join OPS in this important work. Our mission as a public school is to love, challenge, and prepare ALL students for life after high school. We embrace this mission wholeheartedly.
In closing, the best way we can honor the memory of Nex Benedict is to continue to simply treat others the way you want to be treated - with dignity, respect, compassion, and understanding every single day.
Margaret Coates
Superintendent
Owasso Public Schools
In the only item on the agenda possibly tied to Benedict's death, the school board approved contracting with a third party to fill two vacant security officer positions for the remainder of the school year. The district had received threats in recent weeks.
Last week, 2 News reported that the U.S. Department of Education is now investigating the district.
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