A video circulating on social media depicts freshmen from Santa Cecília University (Unisanta) lying in puddles in the Boqueirão neighborhood of Santos, São Paulo. The footage was recorded outside the university premises, showcasing students pretending to swim in the gathered water. This incident occurs during a 'trote', a traditional Brazilian university initiation ritual typically characterized by various initiation challenges, some of which have drawn criticism for being excessive or inappropriate.

The event was organized by students from the Athletic Association Lúcia Teixeira, part of the Physical Education course, without the necessary authorization from the university. According to a statement from the Athletic Association, participation in the trote was voluntary, and there were no requirements for freshmen to partake in these activities. The organization made it clear that students who chose not to participate could continue with their usual class schedules, indicating that they emphasized choice amidst the peer pressures often associated with such events.

Moreover, the Athletic Association explicitly condemned any form of violence, humiliation, or embarrassment, suggesting that the activities were intended to be light-hearted and in the spirit of camaraderie rather than coercive. Nonetheless, this incident highlights ongoing debates around the culture of initiation rituals in Brazilian universities, where some practices have come under scrutiny for crossing lines into inappropriate behavior, ultimately prompting discussions about the welfare and dignity of new students during such transitions into university life.