Strict dress code sparks debate at Charles Middle School

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 taken over the school campus, with nearly all students wearing black t-shirts or pants. 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 change in the school's dress code is the prohibition of hooded sweatshirts, which seems far more justified.

The ban on wearing black shirts and pants, as well as hooded sweatshirts, is not all. The footwear students can wear is limited exclusively to athletic shoes or dress shoes with closed toes. Sandals, Crocs, and flip-flops are prohibited. Socks must be a uniform color: white, gray, or black.

Pants may only be worn at school in khaki or blue denim. They must not have rips or cargo pockets, additional pockets, or hidden pockets. This and the ban on hooded sweatshirts with pockets aim to "prevent students from hiding, using or distributing items" they should not have at school.

In PE classes, students may wear t-shirts in gray, gold, or black, but after those classes, they must wear a uniform compliant with regulations again.

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 claim 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 percent of students at Charles Middle School come from families in difficult financial situations.