Freedom of speech and expression at LSE

Free speech and freedom of expression underpin everything we do at LSE. Our School is a place where we come together to discuss, effect change and challenge through education practices, academic research and rigorous debate.

As a global community of people and ideas, we are committed to encouraging and supporting students, staff and visitors to engage in lawful debate on the most pressing issues around the world. We will always do this as a community, within a framework of tolerance for different points of view.

LSE has clear policies in place to protect individual’s rights to freedom of expression within the law, ensure the facilitation of debates and enable all members of our community to refute ideas lawfully, whether through protest on campus or other means.

This is reinforced by the six principles in our Ethics Code, which each member of our community is expected to follow as they contribute to the life of our School in an environment of equal opportunity and respect.

As an institution, LSE does not take a formal position on political or international issues. Instead, it endeavours to provide a platform to facilitate discourse on contemporary matters by encouraging critical debate, within the law, where the views of all parties are treated with respect.

Central to our culture and protected in law is LSE’s responsibility to enable diverse individual views, including the voices of those who wish to peacefully protest.

Being part of LSE also means always aiming to speak and act with awareness of the ways our behaviour could impact others – especially when there are strong disagreements during times of difference. This includes during lawful protest and demonstrations where we have clear expectations for any member of the community taking part around:

Community behaviour

Any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated, and any protest activity must remain peaceful and in line with our Ethics Code, Code of practice on free speech, student Conditions of Registration and Enrolment and / or staff terms and conditions. This includes any intimidating, abusive, threatening, or illegal language, whether written, verbal, in person, or online, all of which are unacceptable. 

Disruption to others

There should be as little disruption as possible to students and staff undertaking study and work. There should be no disruption to broader School business such as teaching and learning, research, exams, events or any other LSE operations.

Maintaining access to buildings

We must ensure buildings always remain accessible in line with health and safety regulations, so that individuals are free to enter and exit spaces. This is especially important in relation to fire and other emergency access routes.

Damage to property

There should be no intentional or careless damage to School property, or that of other community members. Litter should be removed, and spaces kept clear for health and safety purposes.

If any of these circumstances occur, we will need to take appropriate steps to protect and support the LSE community. This will be in line with LSE policy first and foremost, following protocols such as the Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy, Student Complaints Procedure, Disciplinary Procedure for Students, LSE disciplinary policy and procedure for professional services staff, LSE academic annex or other School procedures where relevant. If required, we will refer to UK law.  

The use of our campus buildings is limited to members of the LSE community and as such anyone accessing these spaces will be asked to show their LSE ID when entering the building. We expect everyone in our buildings to adhere to our community expectations, and respect the safety, access and purpose of these spaces. 

It is also important to remember that during protests and demonstrations, some LSE staff will need to a play role in maintaining safety.  

You can find out more information, including support available and further policy guidance for students and staff in our Guidance note on lawful protest and demonstrations at LSE.

Accessing support at LSE

The safety and wellbeing of our entire School is a priority for LSE. Every member of our community has the right to feel secure and supported whilst on our campus and in residences, with a range of support available no matter your circumstances.

Access support in a way that works for you – whether through our online Report + Support tool, Safe Contacts Network, Faith Centre, or our Wellbeing Services, as a first point of call. 

Unsure where to start? Try our Student Support Map.