In Tucson, tortillas must be treated with respect!
"As graduates in other parts of the country receive their diplomas and toss their hats in the air for their accomplishments, UA graduates toss something a little different and a little tastier - tortillas.
The tradition has been a part of UA graduations for about 10 years, said Jim Drnek, associate dean of students. The UA's unique graduation tradition is not without controversy, however.
In December 2005, the commencement ceremony was canceled for undergraduate students following a number of complaints about the tradition. Some complaints were made that the tradition is culturally insensitive against Mexican-American and American Indian culture.
The December 2005 event was reinstated following a student-sponsored forum discussion, but with a message from then-President Peter Likins stating that some groups frown upon the tradition.
At this year's graduation, both graduates and their guests will be searched for tortillas upon entering McKale Center, just like at sporting events, Drnek said
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