I always thought it was bowler hats that were a hazard? You ask James Bond!

pathetic, I work in a Uni and certainly wont be recommending that we do the same. More idiotic decision making that only serves to make a mockery of H&S and make the job of more practical managers like myself harder. People read this sort of thing and assume that every control that's introduced is equally as overzealous.

What next, soon they will banning graduates from jumping off bridges inot a shallow stream! ;-P

These sort of things are normally driven by one thing, Claims. Someone probably got one in the eye, sued the University and won.

I think the real reason is a bit father down the article - the hire company is fed up of damaged mortar boards being returned! So charge a deposit and if you damage the silly thing pay for it!

I worked at a Uni for many years and never once saw an injury caused by a Mortar Board and would never have supported such a ban. Not sure about the reference to the hire company and damage to Mortar Boards. In my experience they were more concerned with damage cause by spilt food and drink, and that was built into the hire costs. If the damage was severe they could retain any deposits paid by the Student. There was a survey carried out some years ago by the HE sector and very very few would have supported such a ban. What I did see was a number of twisted ankles caused by ladies wearing high heels for the first time at graduation ceremonies, after having worn trainers during most of their time at Uni. Perhaps the next thing on the banned list ???? I do joke