Human Rights Campaign Praises Accountability Agreement For Owasso Schools' Title IX Violations

The Human Rights Campaign has responded to the news that the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is holding Owasso Public Schools accountable for systemic violations of Title IX.

Related Story: Owasso Public Schools Enters Agreement To Address Title IX Violations on Handling of Sexual Harassment Reports

The Human Rights Campaign is the organization that filed the initial complaint against Owasso Public Schools on behalf of 16-year-old Nex Benedict the Owasso student who died by suicide one day after being involved in a physical altercation with two classmates in a school bathroom.

HRC president Kelley Robinson said that they are applauding the news and grateful for the outcome.

“[Wednesday]’s resolution agreement from the US Department of Education leaves no doubt: the Owasso School District failed Nex Benedict and many other vulnerable students under their care. The evidence shows that officials were well aware of the hostile climate in their schools, yet repeatedly chose indifference and inaction when confronted. While no accountability measure can fully heal the grief and anger that Nex’s family and this community feels, today, a message has been sent: Trans and non-binary students have worth. They and all students have rights, regardless of who is in the White House. And they deserve the same access to a quality and safe education – just like every other child in America.”

“We are deeply grateful for the hard-working advocates in Oklahoma who have been doing this work for many years in the face of a whole-of-government effort to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.”

OCR’s investigation uncovered multiple instances over a three-year period where district staff, after being notified of possible sexual harassment, failed to inform students and families of their rights to file a Title IX complaint or offer supportive services, such as counseling or schedule adjustments.