in memory of Nex Benedict

We condemn the tragic death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict of Owasso, Oklahoma. Nex, who described themselves as neither male or female, was attacked on February 8th by their fellow students in the high school girls’ bathroom. The student, under Oklahoma law, was required to use the bathroom that matched their birth gender. Nex died the following day after the bathroom attack.

 It is unconscionable and unacceptable that non-binary and transgender students in the United States are at risk of bullying, violence, and even death while attending their local public school.

 We urge Belmont teachers, administrators, and our Superintendent, to commit to protecting all of its precious students, to upholding rights for transgender and gay students, and to discussing what happened and why in Owasso, OK this month.

 On a broader scale, it’s imperative that Belmont residents challenge recent efforts by House Republicans to shut down the government unless anti-transgender policies are adopted. In a letter dated Feb. 21, the House Freedom Caucus called for a litany of threatening amendments including bans on gender affirming care, restrictions on transgender athletes, and defunding Planned Parenthood and DEI policies.

 Please encourage your Congressional representatives to reject these anti-LGBTQ+ amendments and let us commit to the respect and safety of students  and of all people in our country irrespective of race, gender, sexual preference, religion, and ethnicity.