Middle school bans all black clothing, citing mental health concerns
An El Paso middle school has recently implemented a policy banning students from wearing all-black clothing, citing associations with mental health issues. This decision, made by Charles Middle School, has sparked both support and controversy among the school community.
Principal Nick DeSantis communicated the new rule in a letter sent to parents, stating that all-black attire is “associated with depression and mental health issues.” The policy specifically prohibits students from wearing black clothing from head to toe.
According to KTUL, Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, elaborated on the details of the policy. “What they are not allowing is for students to wear clothing that is black from top to bottom,” she explained. “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.”
According to De La Rosa, the policy aims to address concerns observed by teachers. “Teachers see a sudden change in students going from dressing with color to all black when they are depressed or stressed,” she noted.
Despite the school’s intentions, the new policy has faced opposition from some parents. Many have taken to online forums to express their disagreement, arguing that clothing color does not define a person’s mental state.
As the debate continues, the school remains firm in its decision, prioritizing what it believes to be the mental well-being of its students.
