President Biden is publicly mourning the death of Nex Benedict, an LGBTQ 16-year-old student from Oklahoma.
"Jill and I are heartbroken by the recent loss of Nex Benedict. Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities," Biden said Thursday.
"Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today," he added.
His statement comes on the heels of the medical examiner's report, ruling Nex Benedict's death as a suicide. An autopsy allegedly shows the 16-year-old, who identified as a two-spirit transgender and within the gender-nonconforming umbrella, digested a fatal amount of antihistamines and antidepressants.
Just days before their death, Benedict was attacked in the girls' bathroom at Owasso High School. The attack was initiated by three girls who made fun of Benedict's clothing.
"As parents, we send our kids to school expecting that they will be safe and cared for. Nex was failed by so many and should still be here today," Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said in a statement on Wednesday following the alleged cause of death.
"We have heard from so many parents and students that this culture of bullying and harassment is both pervasive at Owasso Public Schools and that many within the school had actual knowledge that it was occurring and took no steps to fix it," continued Robinson.
Activists and LGBTQ groups have demanded Oklahoma's superintendent of public construction, Ryan Walters, resign immediately. The federal Department of Education has called for a civil rights investigation into the student's death, according to The Hill.
Biden ended his statement by bringing attention to the National Crisis Hotline.
"To LGBTQI+ young people across the country - you are loved exactly as you are. If you're feeling overwhelmed or alone, you can call or text 988, the National Crisis Hotline, and dial the number '3' to talk to a counselor who has been specifically trained to support LGBTQI+ youth," he said.
