Halloween Costume Bans: Multiple Essex County Schools Say ‘No Clowns’ For 2016

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Another Essex County school district has banned clown costumes this Halloween in light of the recent national “creepy clown” scare fad.

Earlier this month, Nutley Public Schools Superintendent Julie Glazer issued a letter to parents and guardians that laid out guidelines for acceptable student Halloween costumes, including an edict that all “clown costumes” would be banned for 2016.

“Costumes cannot contain weapons or anything which may be perceived as a weapon. There cannot be any swords, guns, sticks, knives, or grenades as part of a costume or any hand-held props. We will also not permit masks of any kind. In addition, due to the current and unsettling situation involving clowns, it is necessary that we ban all clown costumes this year.

Glazer’s announcement came shortly after the Nutley Police Department’s declaration on Oct. 7 that despite a “lot of rumors and fear,” there have been no “creepy clown” threats to the district’s schools.

Nutley police asked parents and guardians to report all possible clown incidents so officers can “ensure we can quickly investigate and dispel any rumors.”

In addition, Nutley police asked parents to refrain from allowing students to wear creepy clown costumes on Halloween and to let older children know that using a costume to instill fear in others could potentially lead to criminal charges for creating false public alarm, a third degree crime.

• See related article: Nutley Cops Probe Creepy Clown Fear Fad, ‘No Specific Threats’ To Schools

Nutley’s superintendent isn’t the only Essex County school official to ban clown costumes for Halloween this year. On Oct. 6, Montclair School Superintendent Ronald Bolandi asked parents to not allow their kids to dress up as clowns this holiday season.

• See related article: Montclair Superintendent Says No Clown Costumes At School For Halloween

The New Jersey sightings have been part of a nationwide pattern of recent mysterious clown appearances also reported in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland and elsewhere. Some reports have led to arrests, including a situation in South Jersey in which a student made clown-related threats against classmates.

Several other Essex County towns and school districts have issued statements about “creepy clown” rumors and reports in their jurisdiction, including West Orange, Maplewood and North Caldwell.

• See related article: West Orange Schools, Police Investigate ‘Bobby The Clown’ Instagram Post
• See related article: Creepy Clown Sightings Reported in Maplewood, SOMA School Officials Offer Statement: Police
• See related article: Creepy Clowns In North Caldwell Schools? Nope, Says Police Chief

Photo: Flickr Commons