Texas school banned all-black outfits for ‘mental health’

BBC News has requested comment from the school district.

The new dress code rule does allow students to wear some black pieces of clothing or full black outfits on specific free dress days, Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, told local media.

Ms De La Rosa added that teachers saw a change in how students dress when they become stressed or depressed.

“The dress code changes were a response to concerns and recommendations brought forward by the stakeholders of Charles Middle School,” the school said in a statement to local media.

However, the new policy drew mixed opinions from parents and others in the community.

“Maybe concentrate on bullying! That’s more of a mental health concern,” one Facebook user commented on a social media post about the policy.

Some said the school’s change did not address the root causes of teen mental health issues and would only punish struggling students.

“Ah yes, ’cause it’s the clothes and not what they’re facing inside that’s the problem. Give them counselling instead of banning them from wearing what makes them comfortable,” one comment read.