Its a bit more complex than Larry not being allowed to be himself. Its about Larry conforming to the standards of the school. The school had mandated uniforms, probably as a way to avoid these incidents. The school had a racially charged environment and was obviously in a low income school district, meaning there were no doubt many kids from dysfunctional backgrounds and even kids with gang ties. Outward displays of any type of sexuality were prohibited at this school.
So, Larry could be "himself" anywhere but at school, because to dress as a TG in this school environment violated the rules. The "loop hole" Larry was afforded was his demise.
"They didn't fail" because of the rules, "they" failed because they neglected to rigidly enforce the rules. They failed Larry. As stated by the Assistant Principal, "it was two weeks after Larry began accessorizing that he was murdered".
In a perfect world, teens should be able to dress and act as they please in their schools, but the environment at this school was anything but perfect.
I don't buy the argument that Brandon was bring bullied by Larry for a second, but still I think the adults at this school could have made better decisions and Larry would still be with us.
Save me from the people who would save me from myself
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antonio8885
11 years ago
Larry was diagnosed with ADHD so my guess is that was the original reason why there was an IEP (public school academic rap sheet) on him before the sexuality issue...they can't have it both ways: "behavioral modifications" vs. the transgendered teens rights law (forgot the official name) that California passed. The school sent out mixed messages, thus they possess a huge share of the blame for this tragedy!
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justKryptonite
11 years ago
---The "loop hole" Larry was afforded was his demise.---
No, his demise was the punk kid who shot him.
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