At a Texas school, wearing an all-black outfit now results in a dress code violation.
Charles Middle School, part of the El Paso Independent School District, has banned students from wearing black clothing due to concerns about mental health. Principal Nick DeSantis informed parents that a new trend of students wearing all-black outfits had emerged on campus, according to local media reports. He stated that this look has become “more associated with depression and mental health issues and/or criminality than with happy and healthy kids ready to learn.” BBC News has reached out to the school district for comments.
The updated dress code permits students to wear some black clothing or full black outfits on designated free dress days, as confirmed by Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association. She noted that teachers observed a change in students’ attire when they were stressed or depressed.
“The dress code changes were implemented in response to concerns and recommendations from the stakeholders of Charles Middle School,” the school said in a statement to local media.
However, the new policy has received mixed reactions from parents and the community.
“Maybe concentrate on bullying! That’s more of a mental health concern,” one Facebook user commented on a social media post about the policy.
Some critics argued that the school’s policy does not address the underlying causes of teen mental health issues and instead penalizes struggling students.
“Ah yes, ’cause it’s the clothes and not what they’re facing inside that’s the problem. Give them counselling instead of banning them from wearing what makes them comfortable,” read one comment.
