Over the past few months, an increasing number of organisations and influencers have set up stalls in public spaces within the LSE campus. These stalls are promoted as an opportunity for ‘dialogue’ on contentious political issues, but in reality, they are causing many students to feel uncomfortable, unsafe and upset.
The stalls often feature provocative statements, that have negative implications for minoritised groups. For example, we have seen bad faith arguments and statements against immigration and abortion. The stall representatives tend to approach students asking for a conversation, often shaming students that refuse, and pressing them to change their mind.
These stalls are also set up with multiple cameras, in particular, representatives commonly leave their stall to proactively approach students with cameras. Clips of LSE students have been shared on popular social media pages without consent, we’ve also seen students doxed (where an individual's private or identifying information—such as home addresses, phone numbers, or personal emails—are published on the internet to cause harassment, stalking, or public shaming) which is entirely unacceptable.
Our message to LSE students
At LSE Students’ Union, we are proud of the diverse student body we represent. We embrace and welcome migration; we’re proud that over 70% of our students are international, and we celebrated this in September with our ‘London Born, Internationally Grown’ Welcome theme.
At LSE Students’ Union, we are a safe place for students. We are firmly committed to standing proudly against facism, against racism, against divisive politics, and for unity, hope and joy. The only voices that are important when considering an abortion are yours and those of medical professionals. We support the right of LSE students to an abortion; your wellbeing and safety is important.
It is 100% valid to say no to a conversation. Freedom of speech does not mean you have to engage in dialogue with anyone that asks for it.
You have every right to respond to the stalls, but these representatives are more likely to return to our campus if you engage with them. The stalls are purposefully provocative; representatives want to film viral social media clips that help them widen their platform.
These incidents have left the LSE student body with many questions. We are here to provide answers.
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Why are these stalls allowed on campus?
Many parts of LSE campus are public rights of way, as such, anyone can set up a stall in these areas. However, LSE Senior Management have also made it clear to the SU that they do not intend to intervene in any legal stalls on LSE-owned land either, this is due to their dedication to Freedom of Speech. We are continuing to lobby LSE Senior Management to protect LSE students as more of these stalls appear on LSE campus.
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Who is letting these people set up stalls on campus?
No staff or member of LSE has the authority to approve or reject these stalls if on public land. In fact, these stalls have commonly been set up with no prior warning to LSE or the Students’ Union.
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I’ve been harassed/abused/assaulted by a stall representative, what should I do?
Harassment, abuse and assault are crimes and are unacceptable. Alert LSE Security or a member of LSE/LSESU staff in the moment so that they can keep you safe and then fill out a Report + Support.
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I observed someone being harassed by a stall representative, what should I do?
Fill out a Report + Support, you can report as a witness. More reports of an incident help to corroborate evidence of a crime or can at least lead to further security measures being taken by LSE.
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What can LSE Security do when these stalls are set up?
LSE Security can observe a stall and watch out for potential hazards and risks. You can approach LSE Security to alert them to a stall, an incident, or safety concern.
LSE Security may also suggest to representatives that they move their stall etc if it is causing a dangerous environment e.g. a counter-protest that LSE Security doesn’t have the capacity to manage safely.
If stall representatives engage in illegal activity, LSE Security will call the police and work to remove the stall safely.
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How can I safely protest?
We recommend you read the Green and Black Cross’ Advice on your rights to protest. Protestors are ultimately responsible for their own actions at a protest. If you'd like an informal discussion about protest on campus, you can reach out to su.activitiescommunities@lse.ac.uk.
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How can I avoid being filmed by stall representatives and/or that video being posted to social media?
Outside LSE buildings, there is less protection for students who object to having their photograph taken or being filmed. However, students are still entitled to object – to do so they should speak to the videographer and be clear that they have not consented to their image being used. Students should also take the details of the photographer to be able to follow up with them and ensure content of them is not published.
What next?
LSESU Sabbatical Officers are currently organising a national student bloc in collaboration with other Student Unions across the country for the Together Rally on March 28th. If you would like to get involved and join us to stand against facist, racist and divisive politics - and in favour of unity, hope and joy - please reach out to su.activitiescommunities@lse.ac.uk who can add you to the group chat. We look forward to marching with you.
If you have been affected by anything outlined in this statement, please reach out to our dedicated LSESU Advice Service, which offers free, confidential advice on a wide variety of issues. We encourage anyone affected by stalls on campus to report this via LSE’s Report + Support.
From Tito, Isabel, Noor and Sachin, your elected Sabbatical Officers 2025/26.