Charles Middle School bans black clothing to tackle mental health concerns
Charles Middle School in El Paso, Texas, has just under 600 students attending. However, this school has gained worldwide attention. Why? With the start of the new school year, the school administration has banned students from wearing black, citing their mental health as the reason.
According to local media reports, the school principal, Nick DeSantis, wrote to parents stating that black clothing had literally taken over the school campus and all students were wearing black shirts or pants. In his opinion, this appearance "has become more associated with depression and mental health issues and/or criminality than with happy and healthy kids ready to learn."
Another ban in the school dress code is the prohibition of hoodies, which, from the perspective of even Canadian schools, seems much more reasonable.
Socks, pants, and t-shirts. The school rules regulate everything
Black shirts, pants, and hoodies are not the only items banned. Footwear is limited to sports or formal shoes with closed toes. Sandals, Crocs, or flip-flops are not allowed. Socks must be a uniform colour: white, grey, or possibly black.
Pants can only be worn in school in khaki or blue jeans. They cannot have tears, cargo pockets, additional pockets, or hidden pockets. This, along with the ban on hoodies and pockets, is intended to "prevent students from hiding, using or distributing items" they should not have at school.
Grey, gold, or black T-shirts may be worn in PE classes at school, but after these classes, the uniform must be put back on in compliance with the dress code.
Hats, caps, and sunglasses are also not allowed on campus. The school's policy also does not allow for body piercings other than in the ears. Short, torn shirts or tank tops are also prohibited.
Not all parents are convinced that such a strict dress code is a good idea.
I don't think we should be grouping, and red flagging kids that just like to wear black - said one mum, Stephanie Rascon.
Mental health expert Krista Wingate told ABC-7 that clothing isn't everything. Students can signal their mental health differently, and it's important not to ignore those signals.
The expert admitted that people should pay attention to various signs of stress or anxiety. She claims that students often feel pressure. They may struggle due to changing their classes. They may feel overwhelmed transitioning from the summer months back to school and getting organized for tasks and different academic responsibilities.
It is estimated that 87% of Charles Middle School students come from families in financially challenging situations.
