Butler schools ban ‘clowning’ for Halloween

There will be no clowning around this Halloween in the Butler School District, as the superintendent has banned clown costumes.

In a letter to parents, Butler Interim Superintendent Mario Cardinale dubbed the recent outbreak of creepy clown incidents “clowning,” and said related costumes will be banned in school settings on Halloween.

“Given all of the negative attention which has become associated with ‘clowning,’ clown masks and clown costumes in recent weeks, and working in consultation with the Butler Police Department,” Cardinale said, “We believe this ban on clown masks and clown costumes is very much appropriate and in order.”

Cardinale cited several recent incidents of “clowning” in other Morris County towns and said he hoped the ban of clown costumes on school property and at school events would minimize needless use of police and law enforcement resources.

“This ban will also be another proactive step in keeping our school environment correctly focused, orderly, and safe,” Cardinale said.

Creepy clown sightings in the area have included a juvenile at a Parsippany Quick Chek who dressed as a clown and brandished a plastic machete and a lockdown at Hopatcong Middle School after a clown was spotted in the woods near the school.

One of the first reported incidents in the county came in Butler in early October, when a group dressed as clowns followed a woman for miles in a pickup truck.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com