An El Paso school has instituted a new dress code for the school year, banning students from wearing head-to-toe black clothing — because the look, they say, is “associated with depression and mental health issues.”
Charles Middle School principal Nick DeSantis sent a letter to parents this year explaining the new uniform dress code, according to KFOX14.
“We are … eliminating a look that has taken over on campus with students wearing black tops with black bottoms, which has become more associated with depression and mental health issues and/or criminality than with happy and healthy kids ready to learn,” the letter read.
“What they are not allowing for students to wear clothing that is black from top to bottom,” Norma De La Rosa, the president of El Paso Teachers Association, told CBSTexas. “They can wear black shorts to go to PE. And they can wear it on free dress day, but they just cannot wear it from top to bottom.
But she admits it’s a tricky issue. “The colors are not much for to prevent or stop mental health issues,” she told the outlet. “You can have the most colorful dress on and still be suffering through depression.”
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PEOPLE has reached out to Charles Middle School and the El Paso Independent School District for a statement.
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The El Paso Independent School District, which created the policy, told KFOX14 that the change in uniform policy was meant to “to enhance students’ well-being and sense of pride. This decision, carefully considered and approved by the Campus Improvement Team — comprising parents, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders — aims to foster a positive self-image among students and more effectively showcase the school’s colors and pride.”
“The dress code changes were a response to concerns and recommendations brought forward by the stakeholders of Charles Middle School. The school appreciates the community’s feedback and collaboration in making these changes.”
”Keep in mind that students’ safety is our number one priority, and so anytime, there are concerns that are brought forward about student safety it’s important for us to take those seriously,” El Paso Independent School District Executive Principal, Sarah Venegas, told KVIA7.
She added that the school also removed black pants from the permissible list of clothing, with only khakis or blue jeans allowed.
“Wearing your uniform is a part of the school rules, at every campus,” she told the outlet. “If they’re in uniform violations it can be a disciplinary infraction but that is up to every administrator.”
But as one parent, Stephanie Rascon, told the outlet, “I don’t think we should be grouping, and red flagging kids that just like to wear black.”
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