Procedure for organising Demonstrations and Protests on campus

As a Students' Union we have a responsibility to ensure that our environment is a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all our members. We support the right of our Students and Student groups to peacefully and respectfully discuss, debate and challenge different positions on global issues. However, this must always be within the procedures outlined by the Students' Union and University.  

This article outlines the Terms & Conditions that must be followed when hosting a protest, demonstration or anything alike on campus involving Students or Student Groups:

1. You must complete a Demonstration on Campus Form and Activity Booking form at least 15 working days' prior to the date you are requesting, stating the planned time, date, location and expected attendance, along with any other requested information on the form.
   
2. Before hosting a demonstration on campus you must ensure that your Student Group has filled out a Student Group Standard Activity Risk Assessment form, outlining your Student Groups’ planned activity, or completed a new one. For further information you can look at this article: Writing Risk Assessments  
3. If you are hosting an external speaker you must follow the process outlined by the Students' Union: External Speakers & Guest Lectures.
4. Any correspondence must come from your Student Groups' email address, if the demonstration is organised by a Club or Society. Any correspondence the Students' Union send will largely be sent to your Student Groups' email address so please check regularly!
5. You must follow all safety, security, and location advice given to you by the University and Students’ Union. In certain circumstances the University may reserve the right to suggest a different time, date or location for the demonstration.
6. You cannot use bullying, abusive, or threatening language in any communications, including placards, banners and posters, this includes at the time of the event and any promotional materials prior to it.
7. You cannot disrupt planned teaching or any University or Students' Union business  
8. You cannot intentionally or carelessly damage any property as part of your protest 
9. You cannot attach posters or banners to University property without permission 
10. You cannot undertake any other activities that break the UK law, including promoting and expressing support for proscribed (illegal) terrorist organisations in the UK, which may be considered a criminal offence. 

Failure to follow any of the Terms and Conditions outlined above may result in your demonstration being cancelled or postponed, or potential action being taken against any Individual or Student Group involved, in accordance with the Student Groups' Constitution and Students' Union Articles of Governance. 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at: [email protected]!