Peaceful protest is one of the oldest ways students make their voices heard, and LSESU will defend your right to do it. LSE students have a long history of protest - it’s a legitimate way to show solidarity and where you stand.
We want you to be able to protest without getting into trouble. The key principle: your protest must not stop others expressing their views. In practice - placards, leaflets, chants and talking to people outside an event as they arrive may all be fine. Shouting down a speaker, blocking entrances or stopping an event may not be - because they take away from others the same freedom you are using.
LSE has its own rules for protest on campus, set out in it's guidance on lawful protest and demonstrations. You could face action from LSE if you:
Bully, harass or intimidate anyone, or use abusive, threatening or discriminatory language, in person or online. This breaks LSE's Ethics Code, Code of Practice on Free Speech and Conditions of Registration and Enrolment.
Disrupt teaching, exams, research or events, or get in the way of other students and staff working and studying or any other School business and operations.
Block buildings, entrances or fire and emergency routes.
Damage property, whether it belongs to LSE or anyone else. This includes chalk-paint and stickers.
In these cases, LSE can use its Disciplinary Procedure for Students or Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy. Bring your LSE ID, as you may be asked to show it to enter buildings. Some LSE staff will be there to keep everyone safe, so please follow their instructions.
Beforehand, read the Green and Black Cross 'Know Your Rights' guide. Protesters are responsible for their own actions. If you face disciplinary action after a protest, the LSESU Advice Service can advise you and support you through the process.
For an informal chat about protesting on campus, contact su.welfareliberation@lse.ac.uk or @lsesu.welfarelib on Instagram.
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