Owasso High School

In the 2002 case Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed whether the practice of peer grading in classrooms violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. FERPA restricts educational institutions from releasing students' education records without parental consent.

The lawsuit began when Kristja J. Falvo, a parent in the Owasso Independent School District in Oklahoma, challenged the district's practice of allowing students to grade each other's assignments and announce the scores aloud. She argued that this method embarrassed her children and constituted an unlawful disclosure of educational records under FERPA. After the school district declined to change its policy, Falvo filed a lawsuit.

Owasso High School in Oklahoma has faced significant challenges regarding LGBTQ+ issues, particularly following the tragic death of 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict in February 2024. Benedict died by suicide a day after a physical altercation in a school bathroom, an incident reportedly linked to bullying over their gender identity.^[23]

In the wake of Benedict's death, students organized walkouts to protest anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and to demand a safer environment for all students. These events drew national attention to the school's handling of such issues.^[24]

A federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights revealed that Owasso Public Schools had violated Title IX by failing to adequately address sexual harassment complaints. The investigation found that the district did not properly inform students and parents about filing formal complaints or offer necessary support services. As a result, the district agreed to implement comprehensive anti-harassment policies, provide training for staff and students, and issue a public statement against harassment.^[25]

In February 2024, Owasso High School in Oklahoma became the center of national attention following the death of 16-year-old student Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary. On February 7, Nex was involved in a physical altercation with three students in the school's girls' restroom. The following day, Benedict collapsed at home and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and, on March 13, ruled Benedict's death a suicide resulting from the combined toxicity of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) and fluoxetine (an antidepressant).^[26] The report noted that while Benedict sustained head injuries during the school altercation, these injuries were nonlethal. Additionally, handwritten notes suggestive of self-harm were found in Benedict's room.^[27]

Following a thorough review, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler announced that no criminal charges would be filed in connection with the altercation or Benedict's death, describing the incident as "mutual combat."^[28]

Benedict's family and friends reported that Benedict had faced bullying related to their gender identity for over a year prior to the incident. This case has intensified discussions about the treatment of LGBTQ+ students in schools and the adequacy of anti-bullying measures. In response, the U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into Owasso Public Schools' handling of harassment complaints. The investigation concluded that the district was "deliberately indifferent" to reports of sexual harassment, leading to a voluntary resolution agreement to implement comprehensive anti-harassment policies and training.^[29]

The death of Nex Benedict has prompted vigils, student walkouts, and calls for systemic reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students in educational environments.

Owasso High School, located in Owasso, Oklahoma, operates across two campuses to accommodate its large student body of nearly 3,000 students in grades 9 through 12.