A middle school in Texas has banned all-black clothing this school year, citing mental health and safety reasons, but without the required approval from the school district.
Black is one of the campus colors at Charles Middle School in El Paso, but according to the 2024-2025 dress code, students will no longer be allowed to wear the color head-to-toe.
In a letter to parents before the start of the school year, school superintendent Nick DeSantis announced the change, saying all-black clothing was “more likely to be associated with depression and mental health problems and/or delinquency than with happy and healthy children who are ready to learn.”
Charles Middle School Dress code restricts most clothing to the campus colors, namely dark green and black. Approved uniforms are black polo shirts, sweatshirts, and socks. Approved athletic attire also includes black t-shirts, shorts, and pants.
The policy was met with resistance from parents, former students and community members, with several online commenters asking why the school was banning certain clothing colors instead of investing in mental health resources, anti-bullying measures or other health initiatives.
“Forbidding them from wearing the color they like to wear makes them even more depressed,” said one Facebook commenter. “The color you wear does not reflect your mental illness or lack thereof.”
In an Aug. 9 statement, Diana Sayavedra, superintendent of the El Paso Independent School District, said she had been informed of “recent discussions regarding uniform policies at some of our schools.”
“These events have underscored the importance of open communication between the district, our schools and the wider community,” Sayavedra said.
The changes were the result of a “dialogue with the community in April,” according to an El Paso ISD spokesperson. But Charles Middle School appears to have implemented the new policy without the district’s permission.
The El Paso ISD spokesperson told LoneStarLive.com that the middle school communicated the dress code changes “prematurely” before receiving the necessary approval at the district level.
“We regret the miscommunication, particularly regarding the intent behind the changes,” the spokesman said.
Classes at El Paso ISD began on August 5.
