American middle school bans black clothing because it 'looks like depression'
It has been reported that Charles Middle School in El Paso, Texas, has announced that it will ban students from wearing all-black clothing on August 5, 2024. The school explains that wearing all-black clothing is 'associated with mental health issues and crime,' but parents and local residents have responded by saying, 'There's no way the color of clothing can change a student's mental state.'
Middle school bans all-black clothing, citing mental health concerns
EPISD admits poor communication in black clothing ban, seeks input for future decisions
https://www.kfoxtv.com/news/local/episd-admits-poor-communication-in-black-clothing-ban-seeks-input-for-future-decisions
An El Paso middle school bans all-black clothing, citing mental health concerns
https://www.kfoxtv.com/news/local/an-el-paso-middle-school-bans-all-black-clothing-citing-mental-health-concerns-texas-tx-ms-charles-nick-desantis-pe-teachers-association-pe-depression
Charles Middle School in El Paso, Texas, began the new school year on August 5, 2024. In a notice sent to students on the first day of school after the summer break, the school announced that it would ban all-black attire.
First, Superintendent Nick DeSantis wrote to students in a letter announcing that sweatshirts with hoods and pockets would no longer be allowed, to prevent students from concealing or using items that are not allowed at school.
Principal DeSantis also announced a ban on all-black clothing, saying, 'We are also banning the popular look on campus of black tops and black bottoms. This style is associated with depression, mental health issues, and crime, rather than the way happy, healthy children learn.'
Norma de la Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, said the dress code was adopted after teachers noticed students changing from brightly colored clothing to all-black attire when they were depressed or stressed.
'What students are not allowed to do is wear all black,' De La Rosa said. 'They can wear black shorts in PE or they can wear partial black on dress code days, but they can't wear all black.'
In addition, the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD), which oversees Charles Middle School, defended the school's decision in response to media inquiries, stating, 'Charles Middle School has updated its dress code to promote student well-being and pride. This decision was carefully considered and approved by a campus improvement team comprised of parents, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders. The goal is to foster a positive self-image in students and more effectively represent the school's colors and pride, and this change is in response to concerns and suggestions received from Charles Middle School stakeholders.'
Some parents and local residents have criticized the move. For example, Fabiola Flores, a parent of a student at Charles Middle School, said the school should have listened to parents' opinions beforehand, as she had already incurred financial losses by having to buy new clothes for her child.
'I already bought a pair of black pants, so now I have to buy new ones,' Flores told a local television station. 'They should have said, 'Here's what I'm thinking, what do you think?''
Other comments included, 'The color of clothing has nothing to do with the ability to do something or feel something,' and 'Putting students in different colored clothes won't magically turn them into different people.'
The advice has also been met with criticism from experts, with Krista Wingate, director of child and youth services at the local health care provider, Emergence Health Network, saying, 'Mental illness and depression have no color, and it has nothing to do with clothing. It's much more important to be aware of other signs.'
In response to these objections, EPISD Superintendent Sarah Venegas stated, 'This decision was clearly an overreach,' and announced that she would consider revising the dress code. Superintendent Venegas also told a local television station, 'We would like to have mental health professionals on the committee, especially when it comes to considering issues related to student mental health,' indicating her intention to restructure the campus improvement team.
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