President Biden spoke out about the suicide of nonbinary teen Nex Benedict Thursday – prompting an Oklahoma school official to accuse the White House of “exploiting” the tragedy.
Biden said he and First Lady Jill were “heartbroken” over the tragic death of Benedict and pledged to “always” support LGBTQ kids after it was revealed the 16-year-old died by suicide last month.
“Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today,” Biden said in a statement.
The sophomore died a day after getting into a fight with three girls in a high school bathroom that sent the teen to the hospital.
The state’s chief medical examiner determined Wednesday Benedict took their own life after overdosing on drugs.
Benedict, who used they/them pronouns, according to family, said they were bullied at school, which prompt them to throw water on the trio of girls, sparking the fight.
“They had been bullying me and my friends and I got tired of it so I poured some water on them and all 3 came after me,” Benedict said in a text to a relative that was obtained by local outlet Fox 23 last month.
In the aftermath of the fight, Benedict told a police officer the girls had been picking on them and their friends because of how they dressed and laughed, according to bodycam footage released by police.
Benedict’s mother previously claimed to The Independent their loved one was bullied in school over their gender identity.
Students staged protests over the alleged bullying of Benedict and the US Department of Education has launched a probe into Owasso Public Schools over how it handled alleged sex-based harassment.
“In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children,” Biden stated. “Bullying is hurtful and cruel, and no one should face the bullying that Nex did.
“Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously. My prayers are with Nex’s family, friends, and all who loved them – and to all LGBTQI+ Americans for whom this tragedy feels so personal, know this: I will always have your back.”
But Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters, who leads the state’s public schools, panned Biden’s statement hours later.
“Quit playing politics. @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris have chosen to embrace the lies of the most radical groups in their party,” Walters tweeted. “Their party has found a new low of exploiting a child’s death.”
Walter also pushed back against LBGT advocates who have heavily criticized the state education department’s policies and the school leader’s rhetoric following Benedict’s death. Before the cause of death was confirmed, advocates also speculated whether the death was a direct result of the fight.
“The loss of our student in Owasso is tragic for the family, the community, and our state. The LGBTQ groups pushing a false narrative are one of the biggest threats to our democracy and I remain, more than ever, committed to never backing down from a woke mob,” Walters said in a statement on Wednesday, according to reports.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
