Demonstrations and protests guidance

The University requires any person wishing to organise a pre-planned protest demonstration or gathering on University premises to first obtain prior approval for the event in accordance with the University Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech (the ‘Code’) and the procedure in the annex to the Code in addition to following the expectations set out in this guidance.

The University fully supports freedom of speech and expression within the law and the right to peaceful and lawful protest. The right to lawful protest must be balanced between the rights of protesters to assert their views and the rights of others (students, staff and visitors) to go about their business safely, unimpeded and free from intimidation and harassment.

The University has a responsibility to maintain a safe, effective, and welcoming environment for all our students, staff, and visitors. The following guidance is intended to ensure that student protests can be conducted safely for all members of the University community and the public and reduce the likelihood of protesters breaching University regulations and becoming subject to disciplinary action.

If you are arranging or taking part in a protest:

Please do:

  • give notice of the protest or demonstration to the University’s Senior Proctor well in advance as set out in the guidance on Public meetings and demonstrations
  • seek in advance and follow any safety, security, location, and other advice provided to you by the University’s Senior Proctor and other University staff
  • clearly communicate information about the protest to the participants, including any relevant University guidance
  • keep routes clear. Make sure you do not block fire exits and other access routes, particularly for emergency vehicles, and clear away any litter

Please do not:

  • use intimidating, abusive, threatening or illegal language via communications, placards, banners, posters, chants or other means
  • occupy University buildings or disrupt any teaching, research, events, or other University business
  • intentionally or carelessly damage any University or other property as part of your protest
  • attach posters, banners or other protest materials to University property without permission, otherwise these will be removed and confiscated.
  • seek to disrupt other events taking place on University premises by preventing speakers from talking, people from attending, or doing anything that is designed to prevent the event taking place successfully
  • undertake any other activities that could be considered in breach of UK legislation