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AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State University's president is ending the annual Veishea festival saying it has become a week-long alcohol fueled party that places students at risk.
President Steven Leath says the violence-marred festival over the years it has resulted in dozens of violent incidents, riots, property damage and two deaths. A late-night crowd disturbance in early April injured a student and the remainder of the festival was cancelled for this year.
He says it has hurt Iowa State's reputation as he announced Wednesday Veishea will end for good and the name will be retired.
Leath says as university president his top priority is student safety and although he acknowledged ending a 90-year tradition will be criticized he's convinced it's the right thing to do for the university.
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