Family of Lawrence King blame death on school dress code

By Rachel Charman • August 15, 2008 - 12:31

Mr McInerney will face charges of first degree murder and committing a hate crime

15 Comments on Family of Lawrence King blame death on school dress code

The family of a gay student who was shot in class blames his death partially on the school district for not enforcing the school dress code.

The parents and brother of Lawrence King, of Green Junior High School, Oxnard, California, say that the school allowing him to wear makeup and feminine clothing was a factor leading to his death.

Mr King, 15, who self-identified as gay, was shot in the head on 12th February during a lesson, allegedly by Brandon McInerney, 14, his classmate at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, California.

The family's claim was filed last week at Ventura County Superior Court.

His parents, Dawn and Gregory King, claim that the school knew their son had 'unique vulnerabilities' and was subject to bullying due to his sexuality.

According the Ventura County Star, the incident allegedly occurred when Mr King asked Mr McInerney to be his valentine.

Mr McInerney will face charges of first degree murder and committing a hate crime, and will be tried as an adult.

Kevin Jennings, Executive Director of GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, said: "As a nation, we've had our heads in the sand for far too long. We need to do everything we can to prevent something like this from happening again."

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