Owasso Schools to Reform Title IX Practices

Owasso Public Schools in Oklahoma has entered into a resolution agreement with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to address Title IX violations related to mishandling sexual harassment complaints. This agreement follows an investigation revealing systemic failures over three years, including inadequate formal investigations, failure to inform students of their rights, and lack of supportive measures such as counseling. Notable incidents involved a teacher grooming students via social media and multiple cases of harassment and assault. The resolution mandates comprehensive policy revisions, Title IX training for staff and students, public statements against harassment, and climate surveys to assess the school environment. The district was specifically scrutinized following the suicide of a student, Nex Benedict, highlighting the gravity of their previous inaction. This agreement is aimed at ensuring fair and equitable processes for students experiencing harassment.