Johnny Cash will be suspended from this school.
A Texas middle school has banned students from wearing all black to class, with school officials claiming it is linked to depression and mental health issues.
Nick DeSantis, principal of H.E. Charles Middle School in El Paso, sent an email to parents of students this week explaining that as part of the new dress code, children will not be allowed to wear head-to-toe black clothing. According to KFOX14.
“We are eliminating the prevalent campus look of black tops and black bottoms, which has come to be associated with depression, mental health issues and criminal activity rather than happy, healthy kids eager to learn,” the letter said.
The El Paso Independent School District, which created the policy, said the decision was made “to promote the well-being and pride of our students.”
The dress code was approved by the district’s Campus Improvement Team, which is made up of parents, teachers, staff and other community members, and school officials said the change was in response to concerns raised by committee members.
“Please keep in mind that student safety is our number one priority, and any time a concern is raised about student safety, it is important that we take it seriously,” said Sara Venegas, superintendent of El Paso Independent School District. He told KVIA7.
“We are honored to be recognized as a leader in the nation’s largest education system,” said Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association. CBSTexas Students “may wear black shorts to gym class and on dress code days, but they may not wear them head to toe.”
Black trousers, which were permitted last year, are now banned, but blue jeans and khakis are permitted.
Students can face disciplinary action from all schools in the district for infractions, but “that’s up to the discretion of each school administrator,” Venegas said.
The move sparked backlash from some parents in the area.
“I don’t think kids should be grouped together or red flagged just because they like to wear black,” El Paso mother Stephanie Rascon told KVIA7.
The dress code has also sparked controversy online.
“The color of your clothes has nothing to do with your ability to do anything or feel anything,” Alex Lucero said in a local media poll about the rule.
“Wearing black is not a mental health issue, it’s a way of life,” Peter Beneke Jr. said.
