School Blamed For Anti-Gay Shooting

International News, By Joal, 18th August, 2008

The family of 15 year-old Larry King, who was murdered earlier this year by his classmate, say the dress-code of his school contributed to his death.

Although the 14-year-old who shot Larry King faces 51 years to life imprisonment if convicted of murder, parents Dawn and Gregory King have filed a personal injury claim against a Ventura school district in California, seeking unspecified damages for not enforcing a student dress-code.

Green Junior High School’s failure, says the Kings, is that its staff allowed their son to dress in a feminine way, which attracted homophobic taunts, which they believe led to their son’s fatal shooting.

The only person named in the complaint, former Assistant Principal Joy Epstein is accused by King’s parents of encouraging their child to wear women’s clothing, and of creating an environment of “perceived safety” – something the parents say she could never guarantee.

Wearing make-up, jewellery and high-heeled boots, Larry King had previously been subject to death threats, and his parents say teachers knew he had “unique vulnerabilities” and was “susceptible to abuse” because of them.

Larry was staying in a shelter for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children at the time of the shooting in February.

According to local paper Ventura County Star, the shooting occurred when King asked classmate Brandon McInerney to be his valentine during an eight-grade English class.

14-year-old McInerney has pleaded not guilty to charges of first degree murder and committing a hate crime, and will be tried as an adult.

Ventura County’s risk assessment manager, Chuck Pode, says that following an investigation he believes the parents’ claims of negligence will be rejected.

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