The Texas middle school principal informs parents that the black color is ‘associated with depression and mental health issues.’
After a dress code amendment that bans wearing black from head to toe, students at middle schools in Texas have new restrictions on how they can dress for Monday’s first day of school.
The changes are taking effect at the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) ‘s H.E Charles Middle School. In a letter to parents obtained by local media, the principal of the school, Nick DeSantis, stated that black color is “associated with depression and mental health issues,” as well as “criminality.”
The school’s previous year’s dress code, which can be found in an online student handbook, said that students might wear black or khaki-approved bottoms and solid polo shirts in the school’s green, gray, and black colors. On certain days, blue jeans were permitted.
Parent Fabiola told local KFOX, “We already bought the black pants, so we have to buy again, the pants.” “They should ask. They [should] do like a ‘Hey, what do you think?’ Like, ‘We’re thinking about it!'”
While acknowledging that the announcement should have been made differently, the district told the local station that it resulted from concerns expressed by parents and teachers on the campus improvement team.
Although EPISD schools are free to establish dress codes, parents nationwide may find it difficult to obtain them. According to SmartAsset Financial Advisors, they may have to pay for them out of their pockets.
According to media reports, nearly 600 students attend Charles Middle School, which offers instruction in grades 6 through 8. 87% are considered “economically disadvantaged.”
According to at least one parent, the color change might be advantageous.
Parent Nancy Rangel-Gomez told KVIA-TV, “It brings down, I think, the mood of the school, if it’s just black.”
According to El Paso Teachers Association President Norma De La Rosa, black shorts are permitted for physical education classes at Charles Middle School and can be worn on “free dress day.” To prevent misunderstandings, she advises parents to study the school’s code fully.
A mental health professional told KFOX that depression does not “have colors” or “outfits.” Rather, she stated that there are more indicators children should be aware of.
Executive Principal Sarah Venegas of EPISD told KFOX that the district would welcome the inclusion of a mental health specialist on decision-making committees.
Diana Saavedra, the district superintendent, admitted in a recent community message that “dress code policies have recently garnered community attention at a couple of schools.”
She further stated, “We see this as a valuable opportunity to foster a healthy engagement with the community in an effort to land on the values we share about safety and the success of students.” “We are committed to continuing this dialogue to strengthen our collaboration.”
