Iowa State Official Ends Century Old Tradition After Spring Riots

Dan Regester10 years ago

A few months ago, news broke out of Ames, Iowa, that students had gone into full-out riot mode.

This was in celebration of VEISHEA, one of Iowa State’s oldest traditions, which was originally created in 1922 as a week of celebration to showcase the Ames community. Since then, it has become a week of non-stop partying. Since 1985, the celebrations have caused two deaths and led to hundreds of arrests.

This past spring’s riots apparently were the last straw for the administration.

From WHOTV:

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University President Steven Leath announced the VEISHEA celebration has ended and the name will be retired Thursday. It brings an end to the annual tradition started in 1922.

“I understand that it is very sad and disappointing to see this 92-year tradition come to an end, and there may be some who are upset with this decision, but I am not going to continue to put students at risk so that we can preserve what, to many, has become a week-long party,” Leath said.

“I want to make it very clear. This conduct is not tolerated here,” Leith added.

Calls for a task force were made after violence marred the 2014 celebration. Leath received the report, which recommended ending the celebration in its current form, last month.

This is why we can’t have nice things. Unfortunately, traditions like VEISHEA are often an excuse for people, some of whom don’t even attend that university, to act like complete shitheads and ruin what should be a good time.

Look out for your traditions, hold every jackass accountable, and don’t let townies flip cars.

[via WHOTV]

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