No Clowning Allowed

Clown costumes are banned by schools and parades following hysteria over "killer clowns".

13:05 29 October 2016

After a summer of national hysteria over “killer clowns”, school districts, counties and spooky festivals have officially banned clown costumes this year. 

 

The creepy clowns craze started in South Carolina in the US when two clowns were trying to lure a little boy into the woods. The incident was followed by numerous clown sightings in other states including Florida, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. In a New York subway train, a clown holding a knife threatened a teenager. 

 

In West Milford, New Jersey, superintendent Alex Anemone, asked the students not to put on a clown costume. In a statement, he said: "As a precaution and to allow our youngest children to feel comfortable, we are asking all students, parents, and staff to follow the below rules to make our Halloween celebrations as enjoyable as possible for everyone:

 

Clown costumes, masks, or face paint shall be prohibited.

 

In Montclair, New Jersey, the interim superintendent, Ron Bolandi, penned a similar memo to parents:

 

I am asking for your cooperation in not allowing your children to dress up as clowns at any school event due to the possible disruption and fear it may cause. If anyone shows up with a clown related costume, they will be asked to change or sent home.