SALINAS, Calif. -- Salinas High School students are turning red because they can't wear red anymore.

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Read: Salinas High School Dress Code

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They can't wear blue or team apparel or cloths associated with California, the region or any cities either.

School officials instituted some new specifications to the dress code to take effect on Monday aimed at making the campus and its students safer.

Besides avoiding red and blue, students will also have to steer clear of hats that aren't Salinas High gear, bandanas, belt buckles with numbers or letters and gloves.

The no red or blue rule applies to everything from shoe laces to hair ties.

Students are so opposed to the new rules that they have started a petition at the school.

Grace Davis, a Salinas High sophomore, said the new rules are not the way to solve the gang violence problems.

"It doesn't fix the disease, it just covers the symptoms," Davis said. "I think we're still going to have the same gang problem. We're just going to be angry at the administration and I don't think that's the way to go."

Salinas High School's principal, Michael Romero, said he didn't expect the decision to be popular, but that the rules were made for the safety of the students and to ensure a positive learning environment.

Salinas police officials said it's all about perception. If someone is perceived to be wearing clothing associated with gangs, they could be targeted.

A student assembly is planned for Friday to help students better understand the new dress code. A parent night is scheduled for next week.