Oxford university bans egg-throwing by students

June in Oxford means the splash and thunk of university students celebrating the end of exams by jumping from bridges into the River Cherwell or pelting each other with eggs.

Fearing it's gotten out of hand, university authorities on Friday proposed sanctions, including fines of $50-$120 on students who throw food or flour or who spray champagne or shaving foam.

Even those found carrying such items "with the intention of using them" could be punished, the university said. Throwing glitter or confetti are still allowed.
The university says that the proposed code was introduced after a run of rowdy parties last year.

"There were too many student finals celebrations getting out of hand," a university spokesman said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The code will apply within a 6-mile radius of the ancient Carfax tower in the heart of Oxford.

The code must still be debated by the Oxford University Students' Union and the governing body of the University Council, which both meet next week.

"I don't think it really inconveniences anyone, it's usually just glitter and champagne," said Laura John, 22, a student at Brasenose College who thought authorities were overreacting.

But Jeannine Pits, 20, a student at Wadham College, said "I think dead fish and pigs' blood are a bit much,"

Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Lucy Ferguson said there had not been a lot of complaints from the public, "but enough for us to think about how you strike balance between those living in the area and those just wanting to have a laugh."

In a statement on the Thames Valley Police Web site, Superintendent Keith Ringsell said police "have absolutely no wish to dampen the genuine high spirits of the students."

"We have never demanded a complete ban on the celebrations. But we do ask that they consider the views of those living around the (central) Merton Street area, who may not appreciate waking up to buckets of pig's offal on the street or being pelted with flour or silly string on their way to work."

--AP