The San Luis Obispo Mardi Gras controversy refers to a major town and gown conflict in the small city of San Luis Obispo, California. In late 2004, leaders of this central coast city called for an end to public celebrations during Mardi Gras, hoping to end the event's reputation as a state-wide party destination for college students.
Prior to 2004, tensions had grown as the small street parade held by community organizers evolved into a large-scale celebration. The modern celebration attracted thousands of partygoers—mostly students—from all over California and the American West.
While a 2004 riot between partygoers and local police was widely televised on American newscasts, the dispute had a far-reaching effect. Local business and community members worried about bad publicity, potential violence, and the event's effect on local tourism. Many of the partygoers were not California Polytechnic State University ("Cal Poly") students, but students from other cities who came to party in San Luis Obispo. After the riots, concerns about restrictive rules spread far beyond the Cal Poly community to other California universities and student organizations.
Read more about San Luis Obispo Mardi Gras Controversy: 2004 Mardi Gras Riot and Its Immediate Aftermath, City of San Luis Obispo Calls For End To Mardi Gras in 2005, Student Concerns Over Tripled Fines and State Bill SB 337, Mardi Gras 2005 and "Polygras"
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