Clowns not welcome at some local schools this Halloween

A clown ban is being considered by some local schools this Halloween in the midst of the “creepy clown” craze that’s crept into Waterloo Region.

The Waterloo Region Catholic District School Board sent a note to school administrators asking them to consider implementing a noclown request for this year.

Rather than a board-wide decree, it’s up to individual schools to decide if they’re going to ask parents to refrain from sending children to school dressed as clowns, said a board spokesperson.

This follows the creepy clown craze sweeping across North America in which people dress as scary clowns and try to frighten strangers. Several incidents across Waterloo Region have been reported to police this month, including some near schools.

Waterloo Regional Police say investigating the sight-

ings ties up resources and causes a public nuisance, which could lead to charges for the culprits, including mischief and making threats. Some creepy clowns become victims of their own prank when those who they frighten attack.

Several schools in the Catholic board had already chosen to ask parents to avoid clown costumes, according to the note sent by the director of education.

There’s no ban at the Waterloo Region District School Board, but it says it wants students to be mindful when picking out their Halloween costumes.

“We’re not banning them, but we would encourage our students to make appropriate and safe choices,” said spokesperson Lynsey Slupeiks.

Waterloo Regional Police are not discouraging children from wearing clown costumes.

“Instead, we encourage anyone who does wear them to do so in a responsible way,” said Insp. Mike Haffner. “We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Halloween and do not want children to feel they can’t dress up in a costume of their choice.”

Clown hysteria is growing as Halloween fast approaches, with several large retail chains pulling menacing decorations and costumes from their shelves.

Canadian Tire last week removed clown decorations from its stores nationally, going so far as to delete mentions of the decorations from its website.

Ronald McDonald is even going into hiding, with McDonald’s cutting back on its Ronald appearances.