Photos of an Arizona student upside down on a stripper pole in a thong after graduation are dividing the internet

A University of Arizona student sparks a heated debate on social media after celebrating her graduation with a pole dance while wearing the traditional cap and gown and little else.

The racy video of her swinging from a pole provoked heated reactions online, with some expressing support, some trying to shame her and others comparing it to a student who sparked a similar controversy last year.

The graduate, who goes by the name “Rachel Davenpole” on social media, posted the celebratory video to Instagram and screenshots to Twitter, where she dances provocatively on a pole in lingerie, sheer heels, and her cap and gown.

‘I couldn’t have gotten this far without the amazing support from everyone at @verticafitness! From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much,” she said, thanking a fitness company that specializes in pole dancing.

Davenpole said she graduated from the university’s public health school with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Davenpole – who wrote on May 28 that she’s been dancing for two years – initially caused a stir on Twitter by responding to a popular version of a meme that asked, “How do you serve c*** in an academic way?”

She responded with two photos of her pole dance and wrote, “Like this.”

When a user commented on her photos on Twitter by saying “you look stupid,” Rachel clapped back and wrote, “Graduated Magna Cum Laude (3.8GPA) and received over $40,000 in scholarships…let’s mirror so we can see who these tweets about babes.’

A supportive tweeter commented “as a pole fitness enthusiast…it’s not that serious…it’s literally a sport.”

Others, whether on Davenpole’s side or not, cited that a young woman at an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) put her degree on hold last year after a similar stunt.

Florida rapper Terica Williams posed for a snake sculpture at Florida A&M University to celebrate her graduation from the school.

‘As I stand here with my Masters Degree at the tender age of 24, I am living proof that clothes don’t define you. I encouraged everyone to embrace their bodies and step outside social norms,” ​​she captioned the provocative post.

The university froze her transcripts after the post went viral and wouldn’t give her a degree for five months.

The Tallahassee Democrat reported that Williams ultimately did not violate school policy after proving that she had photoshopped a thong from the photo and was therefore technically sound.

“I think my photo has sparked a lot of conversation and dialogue,” Williams said in November. “I hope many people see it as if I’m my authentic self and still successful.”

However, Williams got word of Davenpole’s exploits and after the disgrace and hassle she had endured, she did not seem to be in a charitable mood.

“You do her like you did me,” Williams, who goes by the name “Terica Star” on social media, wrote after seeing the photos.

Another person wrote, “You ate, but when a black girl did the same, she almost got her degree taken away.”

Rachel’s photos have racked up 7.5 million views on Twitter as of Monday, with an Instagram post honoring her loved ones alongside the video.

“I couldn’t have done this without the support of my wonderful friends and family who have been there every step of the way! Thank you so much for your unconditional love and support.’

Rachel has not commented further on the online uproar, but has been promoting her Venmo account, adding, “Do you like what you see?” Don’t be shy, empty your wallet.’

DailyMail.com has contacted the University of Arizona for comment.