Students at a middle school in Texas will face new dressing guidelines starting on the first day of classes on Monday, which include a ban on wearing all-black outfits from head to toe.
This policy change is being implemented at H.E. Charles Middle School, part of the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD). Principal Nick DeSantis stated in a letter to parents, as reported by local media, that the color black is often “linked to depression and mental health challenges,” as well as to “criminal behavior.”
The previous dress code for last school year, available in the student handbook online, allowed students to wear solid polo shirts in the school colors of green, gray, and black, along with approved black or khaki bottoms; blue jeans were permitted on designated days.
“We have already purchased black pants, so now we have to buy new ones,” remarked parent Fabiola Flores to KFOX. “They should inquire about this. They [should] consider a ‘Hey, what are your thoughts?’ approach!”
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Display of black uniform clothing in front of the school. (KFOX)
The district acknowledged to the local station that the announcement could have been communicated more effectively, but clarified that it stemmed from concerns raised by parents and teachers on the campus improvement team.
While EPISD schools can establish their own dress codes, parents nationwide may encounter challenges in obtaining clothing and may need to pay for them out of pocket, according to SmartAsset Financial Advisors.
Charles Middle School, serving grades 6 through 8, has an enrollment of nearly 600 students, with approximately 87% classified as “economically disadvantaged,” according to U.S. News.
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Classes commence at Charles Middle School on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, but students are prohibited from wearing outfits consisting entirely of black clothing. (KFOX)
One parent believes the change in color may have a positive effect.
“Having just black could dampen the mood of the school,” parent Nancy Rangel-Gomez shared with KVIA-TV.
Students at Charles Middle School will still be allowed to wear black shorts during physical education classes, and the color will be permitted on “free dress day,” according to El Paso Teachers Association President Norma De La Rosa, who also advises parents to thoroughly read the dress code to avoid misunderstandings.
The correspondence sent from Principal Nick DeSantis to parents of Charles Middle School. (KFOX)
A mental health expert mentioned to KFOX that depression is not defined by specific “colors” or “apparel,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing other indicators in students.
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EPISD Executive Principal Sarah Venegas expressed the district’s desire to involve mental health professionals in decision-making teams.
Though EPISD has not yet responded to a Fox News Digital inquiry, a recent community message from Superintendent Diana Sayavedra acknowledged that “dress code policies have recently attracted community interest at a few schools.”
“We view this as a valuable chance to encourage healthy engagement with the community to reaffirm shared values regarding safety and student success,” Sayavedra continued. “We are dedicated to maintaining this dialogue to enhance our collaboration.”
