Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, is steadfast in his support of policies impacting the transgender community in state schools. This comes in the wake of the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, sparking growing demands for his removal from office.
“To make sure that all individuals are safe in a school, we want every student to be protected, we want every student to be successful,” Walters told ABC News in an interview Tuesday. “That also means we’re not going to lie to students. And we’re not going to push a gender ideology.”
An open letter is urging for Walters’ immediate removal from office, alleging that he has “fostered a culture of violence and hate against the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Oklahoma schools.”
The letter, signed by approximately 350 local, state, and national organizations, highlights widespread concern regarding his policies and actions. The letter, created and circulated on Wednesday, involves advocacy groups such as Freedom Oklahoma, GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, and GLSEN.
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It demands an investigation into the state Department of Education. This inquiry aims to uncover the actions and policies fostering a culture where harassment of 2SLGBTQI+ students is rampant and unchecked. Approximately 350 organizations have signed the letter.
In a statement to ABC News, Walters labeled the letter as a “standard tactic of the radical left,” asserting their intent to “stop at nothing to destroy the country and our state.” He accused critics of partaking in a “desperate political game,” aimed at “exploiting the death of a young Oklahoman.”
Walters emphasized his commitment to continue fighting, refusing to engage in “woke gender games,” and standing firm against what he described as a “woke mob.”
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Nex, a member of the LGBTQ community in Owasso, Oklahoma, passed away on February 8, just one day after being involved in a physical altercation with several other students. According to Nex’s mother, bullying related to their gender identity intensified following the enactment of anti-LGBTQ policies at the state level in recent years.
Authorities are currently awaiting the complete findings of the autopsy and toxicology reports to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s passing. The state medical examiner’s office will be responsible for determining the definitive cause and manner of death.
Body camera footage from the Owasso Police Department captured Nex on a gurney after the fight. Nex told a school resource officer that they had poured water on three students. The reason was that these students were making fun of Nex and their friends’ attire and laughter.
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Nex didn’t know the students’ names but mentioned they had been “antagonizing” Nex beforehand. Nex’s family has since called for action and answers regarding the alleged bullying Nex faced in school.
“The Benedicts know all too well the devastating effects of bullying and school violence,” stated the family through their attorney in a message to ABC News. They expressed hope for meaningful change where bullying is addressed seriously to prevent further tragedies.
Superintendent Walters labeled Nex’s death as a tragedy, expressing sympathy for the family, community, and school. Nevertheless, Walters faced criticism following Nex’s death for his stance on gender issues and the repercussions of his statements.
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