As a whole, StuGo has been thoughtful and cautious about the themes they have chosen for events such as morp, prom, and homecoming. However, with the new Coachella theme announced this year for morp, it is important to mention some of the issues that may arise because of it, and possibly affect a student’s will to go.   

Coachella is a music and arts festival held in Indio, California. Annually, concert-goers visit the small California town to attend this three-day event within the two weeks it is showing. 

Known for its wide variety of performers, celebrity attendees, and extravagant outfits, it is no surprise that the youth are becoming enamored with this festival as the years go on. 

However, this festival holds some questionable implications behind it, and it is important to examine what you may be supporting by attending. 

In the span of two decades, the Coachella music festival has gained its fair amount of popularity and excitement; however, it has also gained a fair amount of argumentation from those opposed to what the company stands for. 

From founder Philip Anschutz donating to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations as well as being vocal about his political opinions, more and more opt out of attending the official Coachella concert each year as new information reaches the surface.  

“Tax filings confirmed an earlier report that Anschutz’s foundation gave $190,000 to anti-LGBTQ groups between 2010 and 2013,” reports New York Daily News.

As explained earlier, influencers and celebrities are becoming increasingly outspoken on why they refuse to attend such a popular and seemingly revolutionary event.  

“I still refuse to go to a festival that is owned by someone who is anti-LGBT,” actress and model Cara Delevingne added on her Instagram story in 2018, “I am allowed to shame that man [Philip Anschutz] and the festival and show my appreciation of an artist at the same time.” 

However, on the other hand, this music fest has allowed its guests to see as many people as possible in an environment that is generally safe, accepting, and warm despite its widespread popularity. 

This year, Coachella plans on implementing a program to combat sexual assault and harassment on concert grounds. Called the “Every One,” this system holds concert-goers accountable for each other to report any form of harassment that may affect the atmosphere of the concert. 

“Anyone found to be in violation of this policy is subject to immediate removal from the festival site, and law enforcement may be notified,” Coachella’s website explains. 

Whether the morp theme being Coachella is a deciding factor on whether you want to go or not, it is always important to look deeper on the true history behind each event we partake in: the good and the bad.