“Most of us believe that every child, no matter where they live, what they look like or who they love deserve safe and supportive schools and communities where they can thrive. Nex Benedict deserved a future full of possibility and potential. However, in Oklahoma and across the country, some legislators and decision makers are flooding state capitols and school boards with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and hateful rhetoric. The students that terrorized Nex heard these messages of hate and division spewed by state and local leaders loud and clear.
“Instead of trying to distract us from their failures to ensure every Oklahoma student has a fully funded education and safe and affirming schools, our leaders should stop targeting our youth and get busy doing what works for our students so they can become the problem solvers of tomorrow. From Oklahoma to Florida and beyond, educators, parents and community leaders will honor Nex by joining together so that every child has a future where they are cherished for being their authentic selves, can acquire the skills to pursue their dreams and thrive.”
NEA President Becky Pringle yesterday also posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, about the death of Nex.
NEA has curated the following resources to support our LGBTQ+ students and educators:
Defending the Freedom of our LGBTQ+ Students to be Themselves
Follow on X (formerly Twitter) at @NEAToday and @BeckyPringle
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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
Media Contact
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- Phone (202) 491-9532
