It started with the suppression of Moonsplash. Next came the ousting of Moonbeans. It ended with loss of Full Moon on the Quad. Has the Stanford administration declared war on moons?
Moonsplash has been one of Stanford’s largest and most successful parties for several years. Thrown by Sigma Nu in the Fall, it brought bands and DJs and gave freshman an introduction to a real frat party. Gone were the sweaty grimy dance floors of most frat parties and in were the sweet outdoor dance floors and amazing set ups. But in Fall 2008, Sigma Nu was forced to hire unaffordable Stanford police for the event and jump through a number of other hoops, making 2008 the year of the last splash. In effect, the administration set up a system where Sigma Nu would be unable to throw one of their capstone parties.
Moonbeans’ Coffee was Stanford’s most popular coffee shop for a decade. Lines extended almost to Suite Hall for this popular coffee stand. Ideally located between Green and Meyer libraries, Moonbeans was often the center of campus life and culture weekday afternoons. They were kicked out in June in favor of Coupa Café (who already has one location in Y2E2). Since then, the space has been empty while the Stanford library system and Coupa try to get the proper permits for the proposed renovations. The entire situation has been a bottomless pit of money – in the end, more than $180,000 will be spent on renovations, and Stanford has lost its most beloved coffee spot.
This brings us to Full Moon on the Quad. One of Stanford’s best-known traditions, it was canceled this year due to concerns about Swine Flu. I don’t think it would be too much to say that some in the administration have been looking for an excuse to cancel the event for years and swine flu became this excuse. We should keep an eye out as the first full moon approaches next year to make sure Stanford hasn’t found another excuse to cancel one of Stanford’s oldest and most unique traditions.
Is this an interesting coincidence or a conspiracy against all things moon related? If it is the latter, the Stanford on the Moon Project (yes this actually exists) should keep an eye out, as should all other moon related businesses and events here at Stanford.
Objective reporting courtesy of Kate Barber.