SSU Professor Makes International Headlines With TSA Cupcake Fiasco

While passing through security at McCarran International Airport Las Vegas, Communications professor Rebecca Hains was stopped for trying to bring a red velvet cupcake on the plane.

The TSA agent said that the "frosting constituted a 'gel-like substance' because it was conforming to the shape of it's container," Rebecca recalled. After offering to eat the cupcake on the spot, the agent confiscated the treat inspiring a global reaction in the press.

"I thought I'd just find some support from like-minded folks at Boing Boing. I never thought it'd be international news!" Rebecca exclaimed, now having been written about in the Washington Post, Atlantic, Slate and giving interviews for the dozens of local networks, Associated Press, ABC National News and a live appearance on the Fox Network morning show Fox and Friends.  

Google reveals over 400 articles published about the incident, while links and comments were shared on Facebook and Twitter by the minute and in the thousands throughout the days following.

The TSA, no stranger to public statements, released a response to the situation. “In general, cakes and pies are allowed in carry-on luggage.”

“It’s not really about the cupcake; I can get another cupcake,’’ she said. “It’s about an encroachment on civil liberties. We’re just building up a resistance and tolerance to all these things they’re doing in the name of security, when it’s really theater. It is not keeping us safe.’’