Freedom of academic enquiry, thought, and speech underpins everything we do at LSE. These freedoms are fundamental to our founding purpose to ‘understand the causes of things’. We are proud to be a diverse, global community who come together to explore, study, discuss and effect change on a wide range of issues through our academic research, educational practices, and rigorous debate. We want to provide an environment where ideas are discussed and debated freely and openly within the law. These objectives are reinforced by the six principles in our Ethics Code.
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.
Our commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech is enshrined in our core governing document [1] and complemented by our obligations under legislation including The Education (No 2) Act 1986 and Higher Education and Research Act 2017 as amended by The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (‘the Act’ [2]).
Our Code of Practice on Free Speech (‘the Code’) sets out our Principles [3], how we shall deliver our duty to secure Freedom of Speech within the law, as far as reasonably practicable, and how we shall secure compliance with the Code. The Code applies to all activities on LSE premises and those conducted in the name of the School or LSE Students’ Union at any location. Procedures are set out in the Code on how Events must be arranged and conducted and include details of how risks will be assessed, managed and mitigated and who is the responsible decision maker in specific circumstances.
The expression of views that are unpopular, controversial, provocative or cause upset are not unlawful. However, Freedom of Speech is not an absolute right. Speech which is restricted by civil or criminal law is not protected. Examples include speech which expresses racial hatred, incitement to such hatred, violence or other criminal acts, or causes unlawful harassment or discrimination or expresses support for a proscribed organisation. In specific and narrow circumstances, lawful free speech may also be proportionately restricted as necessary (in accordance with Art. 10(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights) when this is necessary to protect the rights of others or to prevent public disorder for example.
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[1] Articles of Association Art 13.3: Every individual associated with the School shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and to hold opinions without interference, disability or disadvantage, and to freedom of expression and speech within the law, including the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds and Art 13.4: Academic staff shall have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing them in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges.
[2] Places a duty on the School to promote the importance of Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech within the law and requires the School to take reasonably practicable steps to secure Academic Freedom for our staff and Free Speech within the law for our students, staff, members and visiting speakers.
[3] Section 3 Principles - which also apply to teaching and curricular content.
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 and shall act compatibly with our Freedom of Speech Duties as set out at paragraph 5 of the School Code of Practice on Free Speech .
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.