Charles Middle School in Texas bans black clothing to boost mental health
Charles Middle School in El Paso, Texas, has just under 600 students. However, this school has garnered attention worldwide. Why? With the arrival of the new school year, school authorities have banned students from wearing black, citing concerns for their mental health.
According to local media, the school's principal, Nick DeSantis, wrote to parents that black clothing has literally taken over the school campus, with all students wearing black t-shirts or trousers. Meanwhile, he believes that such an 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's dress code is the prohibition of hooded sweatshirts, which seems far more justified from this perspective.
Socks, trousers, and T-shirts. The school's dress code regulates everything
The ban on wearing black shirts, trousers, and hooded sweatshirts is not all. Their footwear is limited exclusively to athletic shoes or dress shoes with closed toes. Sandals, Crocs, or flip-flops are out of the question. Socks must be a uniform colour: white, grey, or black.
Trousers may only be worn at school in khaki or blue denim. They must not have rips or cargo pockets, additional or hidden pockets. This, along with the ban on hooded sweatshirts with pockets, aims to "prevent students from hiding, using or distributing items" they should not have at school.
In PE classes, students may wear grey, gold, or black T-shirts, but after those classes, they must wear the uniform again, compliant with regulations.
On campus, hats, caps, and sunglasses are also prohibited. The school's policy also prohibits body piercings other than in the ears. Short, torn tops or tank tops are also banned.
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 and may feel overwhelmed transitioning from the summer months back to school and having to get organised for tasks and different academic responsibilities.
It's estimated that 87 per cent of students at Charles Middle School come from families in difficult financial situations.
