OWASSO, Okla. — Lance Preston, the founder and executive director of Rainbow Youth Project, told FOX23 his organization was one of many that asked for a federal investigation into the Owasso Public Schools bullying and harassment policies when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity.
“We see this from all over the country. We like to work with the schools and the administration to make sure that students are aware of the policy, aware of the rights under the policy and are aware of the process,” Preston said.
The formal request for the investigation was made by the Human Rights Campaign.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is working the investigation.
OPS Spokesperson Brock Crawford sent FOX23 the following statement in part:
“The district is committed to cooperating with federal officials and believes the complaint submitted by HRC is not supported by the facts and is without merit.”
The investigation comes weeks after the worldwide attention surrounding the Nex Benedict case.
Benedict was involved in a fight at Owasso High School last month.
Police body camera video of an interview with Benedict at the hospital the day of the fight showed an Owasso Police officer saying that Benedict started the fight by pouring water on the girls. Benedict died the day after the fight.
Benedict and others claim they were bullied regularly.
Police said the initial autopsy results show trauma is not the cause of death.
However, some are linking the fight to Benedict’s death. Investigators are waiting for a final report to find out the cause of death.
That report will include a toxicology screen.
OPS says they are cooperating with investigation and the district was already asked to submit documents.
Crawford also said OPS was contacted before on other issues.
“In the past, the district has been contacted by OCR to investigate complaints that have been made against the district,” Crawford said in the statement.
Preston said he hopes this investigation can lead to better communication with students and staff.
The district said it has a team of counselors for its students.
It also has resources available at all times and a bullying prevention page that can be found by clicking here.
