Texas school bans black clothing for ‘mental health’ practice

At this Texas school, wearing a black dress will result in a dress code violation.

Charles Middle School, part of the El Paso Independent School District, prohibits students from wearing dark clothing, citing psychological concerns.

Principal Nick DeSantis wrote to parents that it “appears” to have “taken over the school with students wearing black tops and black bottoms”, according to local media sources.

He wrote that his appearance “has more to do with depression and mental health problems and / or crime than happy children with a healthy life ready to learn”.

BBC News has requested comment from the school district.

The new dress code law allows students to wear black clothes or full black clothes on certain free dress days, Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, told local media.

Ms. De La Rosa added that teachers have noticed a change in the way students dress when they are stressed or depressed.

“The dress code changes were in response to concerns and recommendations presented by stakeholders at Charles Middle School,” the school said in a statement to local media.

However, this new policy generated mixed opinions from parents and others in the community.

“Maybe focus on being tough! That’s more of a mental health concern,” one Facebook user commented on a social media post about the policy.

Others said the school reform does not address the root causes of youth mental health problems and will punish struggling students.

“Ah yes, because it’s the clothes and not what they’re dealing with inside that’s the problem. Give them advice instead of forbidding them to wear what makes them feel comfortable,” said one of the comments.