What is this "Drape" that they refer to? Are all students 'required' to be photographed in it, or just the girls? If so, what do the boys wear?
I can see if the district/school requires a set 'look' for all students and she is trying to stand apart by wearing something that no one else in the book are allowed to wear, but if the boys are allowed to wear tux's and the girls are required to wear a "drape", or identical looking thing around their necks, then the issue should go beyond just the fact that she, being gay, wants to be seen more like a boy.
Also, is this a public school or private? I sounds to me like it is an overly strict system for any public school I've ever heard of. IMO
Deanna