School fails in racist bid to ban black students

El Paso Middle School Attempts to Police Student's Mental Health Through Their Clothing

Charles Middle School in El Paso, Texas, has sparked outrage with its recent announcement of a regressive dress code policy. In a move that can only be described as tone-deaf, Principal Nick DeSantis has decided to prohibit students from wearing all-black attire, citing a breathtakingly ignorant link between black clothing and "depression, mental health issues, and/or criminality."

“The intention is to ensure the physical and mental safety of their students and was initially initiated due to concerns observed by teachers at the end of the last school year” - Norma De La Rosa, El Paso Teachers Association President

The community, rightfully so, is up in arms over this absurd decision. People are questioning how the color of a student's clothing has any bearing on their emotional well-being. This outdated and simplistic view of mental health issues is not only misguided but also incredibly insulting to those who actually suffer from depression and related ailments.

A Perfect Example of Out-of-Touch Decision-Making

This decision, made without proper consultation, is a perfect example of out-of-touch authorities making arbitrary rules that only serve to oppress and stigmatize. Not only does it display a shocking lack of understanding of mental health issues, but it also demonstrates a complete disregard for the financial constraints of parents who have already purchased school clothing for their children.

“We already bought the black pants, so we have to buy again [...] They should ask, they do like a ‘hey what do you think?’ like ‘we’re thinking about it,” - Fabiola Flores, concerned parent

Backpedaling and Ignorance

In response to the backlash, the El Paso Independent School District has released a statement claiming that the policy aims to "enhance students' well-being and sense of pride." This is a transparent attempt to cover up their initial gaffe, which was nothing more than an attempt to police students' self-expression and a simplistic, superficial understanding of mental health issues.

Due to the community's swift and justified criticism, the school has since put the policy on hold. Let this be a lesson to all education authorities: the days of arbitrary, oppressive rule-making are over. Decisions that impact students' lives must be made with their input, and in a way that respects their rights, identities, and mental health.

via: KKTV, MSN, ABC3340, EPISD.org