A middle school in El Paso, Texas, has come under fire after authorities announced a new dress code that prohibits students from wearing all black “from head to toe,” citing mental health concerns.
The decision was announced by Nick DeSantis, principal of Charles Middle School, ahead of the school year that began Monday. The letter said the school was banning all-black clothing due to its association “with depression and mental health issues and/or criminality,” KFOX-TV and CBS4 reported.
The community criticized the new dress code online and questioned what influence the color of clothing had on the emotional well-being of children.
“Forcing students to wear a different color is not going to magically make them a completely different person,” commented one person, Alexis Contreras, according to the media.
Some parents, like Fabiola Flores, who has already purchased school supplies, wished they had been asked before the change was implemented: “We already bought the black pants, so we have to buy the pants again. They should ask, they say something like ‘Hey, what do you think?’, like ‘We’re thinking about it,'” KDBC said.
Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, clarified to USA TODAY on Wednesday that the middle school has not banned the use of the color black.
“Students at Charles MS wear a uniform and one of the school colors is black,” De La Rosa said in a statement. “They are allowed to wear black. The change was that students are no longer allowed to be completely black from head to toe.”
“This is about ensuring the physical and mental safety of students. The measure was originally introduced due to concerns raised by teachers at the end of the last school year,” she continued.
USA TODAY has also reached out to the El Paso Independent School District and Principal DeSantis for comment.
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El Paso school authorities respond to public concerns
The El Paso Independent School District released a statement to provide insight into the policy and how it was created.
“Charles Middle School is updating its uniform policy to increase student well-being and pride,” the statement sent to CBS4 said. “This decision, which was carefully reviewed and approved by the Campus Improvement Team – comprised of parents, faculty, staff and community stakeholders – is intended to promote a positive self-image among students and more effectively showcase the school’s colors and pride.”
It continues: “The dress code changes were in response to concerns and recommendations from Charles Middle School stakeholders. The school appreciates the community’s feedback and cooperation in implementing these changes.”
A message from Superintendent Diana Sayavedra posted on the district’s website on August 2 reflected those sentiments.
“The dress code at some schools has recently attracted public attention. We see this as a valuable opportunity to encourage healthy community engagement to convey the values we share about student safety and success,” said Sayavedra. “We are committed to continuing this dialogue to strengthen our collaboration.”
According to De La Rosa, the school has put its policy on hold in light of the concerns.
“The campus and district will review the proposed change and ensure that proper procedures are in place to obtain feedback from all parties on possible future changes,” she added.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected].
