Clown Costumes Are Up to Kids/Parents, Holmdel Superintendent Says

Holmdel, NJ - Other school districts — such as nearby Keansburg — may have decided to ban clown costumes and other "symbols of terror" this Halloween, but don't expect Holmdel to do the same.

"Ever since the media began reporting stories related to 'creepy clown' sightings/threats and noticing the fears that this and other current events have placed upon us and the children in our care, I have been considering the pros and cons of banning clown costumes in our schools this Halloween," wrote Holmdel superintendent Robert McGarry in a letter sent Wednesday to Holmdel parents. "As Superintendent, I play many roles, but I am not a parent and I do not believe in usurping your ability as a parent/guardian to have developmentally appropriate conversations with your child when topics like this come up. My 'banning' something like a costume does not allow you to have that conversation and make a decision collaboratively with your child."

"You will hear from our principals with specific directions, expectations and schedules for Halloween in our schools," he added.

Just Wednesday, Keansburg banned clown costumes in public schools this Halloween along with other unspecified "symbols of terror" Keansburg superintendent John Niesz said. Montclair, Clark, Scotch Plains/Fanwood and Roselle Park have all banned clown costumes. Last week, Toms River police arrested two young girls, 12 and 14, for for allegedly making fake clown threats. One of the girls was arrested and charged after claiming she had been chased at a school bus stop last Wednesday morning.

Photo Courtesy Graeme Maclean via Wikimedia Commons.