Issue date: 5/10/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Evan Caravelli UA mascot Wilbur T. Wildcat rears back to throw a tortilla at the spring 2005 afternoon graduation ceremony. President Peter Likins has asked students not to follow the tradition of tortilla throwing because some students find it offensive.

The controversy of tortillas being thrown at commencement ceremonies seems to have calmed down, as no student groups have voiced opposition to the growing tradition this semester.

Last December, the UA decided to cancel the winter commencement ceremonies because a significant number of students voiced their displeasure at the possibility of students throwing tortillas, saying it was racist and should not be allowed.

The controversy of canceling the commencement seemed to outweigh the tortilla issue, and the UA decided to re-instate the graduation ceremony, but this time with a message from President Peter Likins..

In his statement, Likins said, "It is important for you to be aware that some members of the university community have expressed the view that tossing tortillas at commencement is disrespectful to the Mexican and Native American cultures, and needless to say a waste of food. It also takes away from the enjoyment of the event by our guests. I ask you to be mindful of the concerns of others while celebrating this wonderful event."

The issue of this year's tortilla throwing is being approached with the same message: Throw them if you want to, but realize that some people may be offended.

Graduating Mexican-American studies senior Vanessa Gallego said she isn't offended by the tortilla throwing because of issues of racism, but because of disrespect of wasting the tortillas.

"People are starving around the world, and it's a waste of food, that's the only offensive thing about it," Gallego said. "Especially considering the fact that we're at a university and graduation is supposed to be a celebration of our accomplishment as young minds, and then we act the opposite by throwing tortillas."

Continued...

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