A UA graduation tradition has come under heat in recent years, but this year, President Pete Likins is serious when he says no tortillas at the ceremony.

Last year, Likins asked graduates not to throw tortillas. However, since many ignored the request, Likins sent out a formal letter to the class of 2003 stating reasons why tortilla flinging is inappropriate for the 128th commencement ceremony.

Both Likins and Provost George Davis have said tortilla throwing harbors undertones of racism, and can be offensive to not only some students, but to guests as well.

"More than being a safety issue, this behavior is disrespectful to many of our Hispanic and American Indian community members, who feel that throwing tortillas is offensive to their cultures," Likins stated in the letter.

Likins said he also fears the tortilla throwing could get out control, causing someone, namely Gov. Janet Napolitano or Sen. Jon Kyl, who are both speaking at graduation, to be hit.

"I have been hit in the face with a tortilla · but you can't invite a guest with such distinction as your governor or senator and expect that kind of treatment," Likins said.

Last year, no one spoke at graduation, partly because Likins hesitated to put commencement speakers of distinction in a position where they could be hit or develop a negative image of the university, based solely on the antics of its graduates.

Davis, who shares Likins' concerns, reiterated the president's request through an e-mail sent to graduates earlier this week.

Davis reminded graduates that commencement is meant to be respectful and ceremonial, not a party.

"The throwing of tortillas diminishes the dignity of the experience," Davis stated.

Both e-mails have received criticism from students who believe that a ban on tortillas is also a ban on an innocent tradition that is not meant to send racist or violent signals.

Carlos Ramirez, a Hispanic graduating history student, called Likins' e-mail "ridiculous."

"It's like saying you can't throw sandwiches because they represent Caucasians," he said. "You can't throw Frisbees, so you throw tortillas because no one can get hurt."

Members of Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs said they know that the tortillas are not tossed to offend, but rather, as a celebratory representation of the community.

Marisol Diaz, a CHSA retention specialist, said that although the tortillas might seem offensive to the administration, she has heard no complaints about it from any students, faculty or staff.

"They do it everywhere," she said. "I have gone to a lot of high school graduations where they throw tortillas, and most of the people doing it were Hispanic."

Still, the two most powerful administrators on the UA campus, Likins and Davis, have vowed to keep tortillas out of the graduation ceremony, although they are sure some students will try to sneak the food in.

"Our students think tortilla throwing is part of commencement," Likins said.

But Davis said that tortillas have nothing to do with the ceremony, adding that students who believe so, are at risk of ruining the memorable event for many people.

"It is sad to think that this important ceremonial occasion is being compromised in a manner that is, to some, particularly depressing and discouraging. Knowing that few of you would choose to have these effects on others, we ask that you refrain from throwing tortillas during Commencement," Davis' e-mail stated.