UMass has once again decided to cancel more EDM events as a precautionary measure against possible drug and in particular Molly use. Following their cancellation of Return to Fantazia, UMass has now cancelled Above & Beyond and Pretty Lights, each event slated to happen on October 4th and October 30th respectively. You can read the full release here:
A short time ago, the University cancelled the Return to Fantazia, an
electronic dance music event scheduled at the Mullins Center. We were
gravely concerned about a rash of MDMA, Ecstasy or Molly-related
overdoses and deaths in the Northeast related to these events.
Unfortunately, the factors that led to cancellation of the Sept. 21
concert have not positively shifted. In fact, we have grown even more
concerned about ongoing reports of overdoses at such events.The Molly-taking culture at these shows is real and now exceedingly
dangerous to the health and safety of concert attendees. As a result,
the University is cancelling Above & Beyond, scheduled for Oct. 4, and
Pretty Lights, scheduled for Oct. 30.While it is true that college students should be trusted to take
responsibility for their own actions, our administrative and student
leadership must also take responsibility for creating a safe and
positive environment that encourages and cultivates good
decision-making. That is ongoing work and critical to building a
community of care and active engagement.We have broadly shared information about resources and promoted
campus-wide awareness on the dangers of Molly, an illegal, manufactured
drug banned by our Code of Student Conduct. For more detailed
information on Molly and its side effects go to
www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasy-or-molly, or
contact University Health Services, the Center for Health
Promotion, Dean of Students Office or the UMass Amherst Police Department.We know EDM concerts are not the only place a student can use Molly or
other drugs, but the evidence is clear that Molly use is closely linked
to EDM events. We certainly hope the deliberative process the
administrative staff and the Student Government Association took in
evaluating this matter highlights the seriousness of the issues and our
commitment to a safe university environment. The educational efforts
will continue. The campus-wide discussions on the use of Molly, alcohol
and other drugs will also continue. Despite the disappointment some
students will feel, we hope this is an opportunity to hone in on the
values that we aspire to as a community: care, civil discourse and
meaningful engagement in each other’s lives.Students who have purchased tickets for the Above & Beyond and Pretty
Lights shows can obtain refunds at the point of purchase.Enku Gelaye
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus LifeZachary Broughton
President, Student Government Association
Photo credit: Mass Live
That fucking sucks. Kind of makes the unfair assumption that all their students are idiotic and Drug abusers. I would be livid.
While I don’t agree, I do understand the point they are making. They are just keeping it away from the school. Not once did they say that all the students are idiotic and drug abusers, but rather they expressed that EDM and Molly go hand in hand. If you don’t agree, then you need to have your eyes opened, because I know people who ONLY roll at raves/events because that is where they get the best high from it. I have never personally taken molly or mdma, or any hard drug for that matter, and I am not against them either. It’s the idiots who are overdosing and ruining it by being stupid, that are doing this to the main group of ravers. NOT the event hosts. Once people start chilling the fuck out and not doing stupid shit, maybe EDM will be accepted as just another genre like Rock and Pop, but until then, it will always be associated with Molly/Ecstasy/MDMA and that is unfortunate.
But they are not mentioning how they are not canceling the Trinidad James show, whose most successful track included: “Popped a Molly I’m Sweatin'”
umass environment has been know to be ZOOMASS since the early 60’s…….there were much more deaths back then due to non music related incidents then there are now…..worst part is no incident of injury or death has been marked at umass show since they started…….either way….dont steal music from people that live for it.
I have a couple drinks, go to a show. I speak for most people
“While it is true that college students should be trusted to take
responsibility for their own actions, our administrative and student
leadership must also take responsibility for creating a safe and
positive environment that encourages and cultivates good
decision-making.” You just made them [the students] travel more roads to go to other shows instead >.<'
why didn’t they ever do this to rap?
I would like to state that if you are in fact getting MOLLI you will be fine, a lethal dose of MOLLI is much much more than anyone is taking at any time, what these kids are overdosing on is Methylone because drug dealers are sketchy as fuck these days and cutting corners to maximize profits. The rise of EDM has in actual fact created the downfall of EDM, sketchy drug dealers are in control of the MDMA trade instead of the chemists who once would provide people with a safe fun loving drug. This is only going to be getting worse and worse as the years go on and the popularity of EDM drugs and EDM rises and rises. Funny you don’t see this problem in Europe, Why? Because they understand what the EDM scene was built on, they are not a bunch of tweakers trying to support their drug habit and a get rich quick scheme.
This is getting a bit ridiculous w/ this MOLLY shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As mentioned by Diplo “it may sound weird but we are gonna have to educate people on how to take drugs just like drinking and sex” we cant just turn the other cheek and hope it never happens because it will. Ive witnessed the majority who are on “Molly” or “Ecstasy” come out safe and sound and with the most amazing experience of their lives. Responsibility lies with the event goer not the event or act who is playing but if we teach our generation on how to use it and be responsible theres a better chance to have no deaths at any festival. Also those who use make sure you know your sources don’t take candy from strangers. It is biased to just focus all attention onto EDM and event when there are similar storys happening that are not even written about or heard of that that do not involve EDM. For those who didnt know, PLURR has two Rs, the last R meaning responsibility. So if you are about that lifestyle then help spread it around and help save a life or even more.
What a fucking joke. If they really cared about the safety of their students, they’d ban alcohol.
http://www.thedailychronic.net/2013/25662/truth-hype-molly/