Guidance on demonstrations or protests at the University of Leeds

The University of Leeds encourages students to respectfully share, debate and challenge views and positions on a wide range of issues, and we uphold freedom of speech within the law as set out in the University’s Freedom of Expression Protocol. 

The right to lawful protest however is not unfettered and must be balanced between the rights of protesters to assert their views on the one hand and, on the other, the rights of others (students, staff and visitors) to go about their business safely, unimpeded and free from intimidation and harassment. 

While individuals and groups within the University community may express lawful views on any issue, as a diverse community with many viewpoints, the University will not usually issue statements about any matter not directly related to its core educational mission. 

The University has a very clear student code that outlines how students should behave at the University, and were they to engage in misconduct, as outlined in our regulations, they may become subject to disciplinary action. 

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 participating in a protest at the University of Leeds:

Please do:

• Secure the necessary permissions for the protest to take place, and give notice of the protest to the University, Leeds University Union and the Security Team via security@leeds.ac.uk and;
• Follow any safety, security, location, and other advice given to you by University or Leeds University Union staff and their representatives. 
• Clearly communicate information about the protest to the participants, including any relevant University guidance. 
• Make sure you do not block access routes, particularly for emergency vehicles, and clear away any litter. 
• Confirm proof of your identity as a student at the University if asked to do so by University or Leeds University Union staff and their representatives, or you may be asked to leave the campus.

Please do not: 

• Use intimidating, abusive, threatening, or illegal language via communications, placards, banners, posters, chants, chalking 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.