Guidance for students who want to protest on University managed and leased premises
Universities are important spaces for intellectual debate and open conversation, where different perspectives can be shared and debated and are exchanged, challenged, and refined. At York St John University, We encourage students to engage in respectful dialogue and constructive debate as the most effective way to explore issues and make their voices heard. We believe that hearing and challenging a variety of viewpoints enriches the education experience and strengthens critical thinking. This mean that, within the law, our campus may host events or speakers whose views some may find controversial or disagree with.
Our priority is always to provide a sage, inclusive and respectful environment for all members of our community and for visitors. Expectations of behaviour are outlined in our Student Charter and associated regulations. Where these standards are not upheld, disciplinary action may follow under the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedure. Similar policies are in place for our staff and visitors.
We encourage open discussion as the first route for engagement but recognise peaceful protests as a lawful form of expression. The University may regulate the time, place, and manner of protests where necessary and proportionate to protect safety, ensure accessibility, maintain the rights of others, or allow the University’s core functions to continue.
Above all, we invite students to work with us and to use the many available challenge channels, such as student representation, forums and direct dialogue, to raise concerns and shape the University community positively.
Protest Guidelines
The guidelines below outline some dos and don'ts concerning student protests on campus. Adhering to these guidelines will contribute to the safe and effective execution of student protests, benefiting both the University community and the general public. Compliance with these guidelines minimises the risk of protestors violating University regulations and facing disciplinary consequences.
When arranging and taking part in a protest; please consider the following Dos and Don'ts.
Do
Consider options for engaging with University and/or Students’ Union administration or addressing concerns through channels such as student councils, forums, or meetings, in addition to or instead of protests.
Plan how the protest can be conducted safely, including considering accessibility needs of participants and others.
Consider where you will protest to ensure you do not block or obstruct emergency access routes, such as fire exits or emergency vehicles access points. Protests may generally take place in outdoor spaces on campus and other appropriate areas, provided they do not block emergency access or substantially disrupt teaching in progress.
Carefully evaluate whether the protest should be open to members of the general public, taking into account safety and management implications of such an event.
Find out about and follow safety, security and location advice given to you by University or Student's Union representatives. Also familiarise yourself with information provided by North Yorkshire Police (York) Events and processions, and the Metropolitan Police (London) Events and processions.
Share information about the protest, its organisers and the intended goals and outcomes, including any relevant University guidance, to all participants.
Notify the Security Team, particularly for larger events, so appropriate safety and accessibility arrangements can be made. For York campus contact on 01904 876444, 07908718515 or at security@yorksj.ac.uk. For London campus contact the campus manager s.nanayakkara@yorksj.ac.uk.
Exercise caution to avoid risking the safety of disabled students both involved and not involved in the protest.
Please familiarise yourself with the Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech (Freedom of Speech | York St John University) and the Speakers Approval Policy (Organising an external speaker | York St John University). If you intend to invite a speaker to the protest, ensure the protest organiser has completed a Speaker Request Form. Please read York St John Students' Union | Freedom of Speech - this information is necessary to ensure compliance with relevant laws and policies regarding external speakers.
Express yourself peacefully and respectfully, refraining from any form of violence, harassment, or intimidation. Make sure you do not display or verbalise content that is unlawful.
Have contingency plans in place for responding to unexpected developments or emergencies during the protest, such as adverse weather conditions, counter-protests, or medical emergencies.
Be cautious when filming or sharing protest activity on social media, to avoid breaching personal data or privacy rights.
Make sure you clear away any litter at the end of the protest and leave the area in a safe and tidy condition.
Don't
Shut down debate. Do not seek to stop others speaking or attending events, even if you disagree with their lawful views. Those engaging in counter protests will be subject to the same expectations as those engaging in the initial protest.
Use intimidating, abusive, or threatening language, whether through verbal communication, written materials such as placards, banners, posters, or any other means.
Forget to let the police know if you intend to arrange a public march* off campus as part of your protest.
Engage in physical altercations or violence towards individuals, including other protesters, university staff, or law enforcement officers.
Disrupt ongoing teaching, events, or university business, as this may disrupt the normal functioning of the institution and inconvenience others who do not wish to take part in the protest.
Intentionally or negligently damage any university property or other belongings as part of the protest, as this may result in financial costs or legal consequences for individuals involved.
Ignore or disregard directives from university officials, security personnel, or law enforcement officers, as this may escalate tensions and lead to further disruptions or confrontations.
Incite or engage in activities that violate UK law, including but not limited to acts of vandalism, trespassing, or other criminal behaviour. This will undermine the overall message and objectives of the protest.
Important Information
Written Materials
Students may create and distribute flyers and leaflets on campus, provided this does not involve harassment, intimidation, or littering. Posters and banners may be displayed in designated areas or other appropriate spaces, provided they do not damage property. Where reasonable, the University will provide sufficient noticeboard or display space to allow a range of views to be expressed. See also the Protocol on the distribution of printed materials and room bookings at YSJ - York St John Students' Union
Protesting within University premises
Protesting within teaching spaces, offices, or other facilities in a way that prevents their ordinary use for teaching and learning purposes may be considered disruptive and could result in disciplinary action. However, peaceful occupation of non-teaching spaces may be permitted where it does not interfere with safety, operations, or the rights of others. If safety, operations, or the rights of others are impeded, you will be asked to move the protest.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations are a form of protest that take place in a fixed location. There is no legal requirement to provide advance notice to the police regarding demonstrations held on campus, but advance notice to the University is advised to support the health, safety and wellbeing of all students.
Marches or processions
Marches are a form of protest that move across two or more locations. The regulations for notifying the police about marches are outlined in section 11 of the Public Order Act 1986. Organisers of a march are obligated to submit written advance notice of a planned march to the local police force. The notice must be provided at least six days before the scheduled march and must include details such as the date, starting time, proposed route, and the name and address of at least one of the organisers. The law does not state a minimum number of participants. Failing to provide the required notice for a march is considered an offense and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Organisers also commit an offense if the date, start time, or route of the march differs from what was notified to the police. Read more - Protests and marches: letting the police know - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)