Hundreds of LGBTQ, civil rights groups call for Oklahoma education chief to be fired after Nex Benedict's death

Hundreds of LGBTQ and civil rights organizations are calling for the removal of Oklahoma's top education official following the death of LGBTQ high school student Nex Benedict.

More than 350 organizations “advocating for equality across the country” sent a letter to the Sooner State's legislative leaders, asking the Oklahoma State Legislature to appoint Ryan Walters as the Oklahoma Public Instruction Superintendent, according to a Wednesday report. I demand that he be immediately dismissed from his post.” Freedom from Human Rights Campaigns.

“Superintendent Ryan Walters is responsible for promoting violence and a culture of violence. [Two Spirit, transgender and gender nonconforming+] Oklahoma School Community,” Wednesday’s letter said. “Exactly a month ago, he passed an emergency rule banning Oklahoma teens from changing their gender on their school files for fear of being bullied. He spent weekends doing drugs and performing. demanded that the principal be fired, which led to violent threats against educators.

Benedict, a high school sophomore from Owasso, died Feb. 8, the day after an altercation in the girls' bathroom at her school. Sue Benedict, Benedict's grandmother and her legal guardian, said she had been bullied at school over her gender identity since last year.

Despite protests over Benedict's death and the connection advocates have drawn between it and Oklahoma's policies targeting LGBTQ people, Walters continues to defend his policies. Ta.

“The safety and security of our students is my top priority and the first responsibility of Oklahoma schools. As we mourn the loss of our student in Owasso, we pray for God's comfort to his family and the entire Owasso community.” Walters previously said in a statement to The Hill.

“We have witnessed the radical left and their accomplices in the media use the tragic death of a student to advance their political agenda and false reporting. It is despicable and It harms our students and community,” he continued. “I will continue to fight for my parents and will never back down from the woke mob.”