The University also acknowledges that our staff and students may wish to take part in protests and demonstrations on campus and that it is within their legal right to do so. The University is committed to protecting freedom of speech, academic freedom and freedom of assembly and is supportive of students and staff using these rights. However, the University expects staff and students to exercise their rights in a manner that is peaceful, considerate and respectful of others. This guidance is in place to provide a framework within which the University expects demonstrations and protests to be conducted.
This guidance is not intended to apply to any action being undertaken by or in association with any recognised trade union.
Guidance
When arranging or taking part in a protest or demonstration on campus or premises or online using any RGU IT infrastructure, equipment or network, Staff and Students should be aware of:
Please DO:
- In advance of the demonstration or protest, consult with Head of Governance and Compliance and where appropriate follow the booking processes for events/speakers on Campus;
- Follow any instructions given by University staff and any security or law enforcement prior to or during the protest or demonstration and clearly communicate the same instructions to any other participants;
- Keep all access and exit routes clear at all times, this is particularly important for emergency vehicle access;
- Be considerate of the wider University community. This includes other students who may be preparing or sitting exams and staff who are attending their place of work;
- Show respect to all students, staff and the public in line with the Dignity at RGU Policy (PDF 3.8MB);>
- Show respect to University property and the environment by removing any litter and ensuring no malicious, negligent or careless damage is caused. All posters, leaflets and flyers etc must be inline with the University’s Leaflet and Poster Procedure.
- Report any inappropriate behaviour which may breach the Dignity at RGU policy through the University’s Report and Support tool.
- Use IT facilities safely, lawfully and in line with RGU’s IT Acceptable Use Policy (PDF 164KB)
Please DO NOT:
- Deny the freedom of others to assembly and express opinions or beliefs if they are different to your own;
- Break the law or endanger the health and safety of others;
- Fail to comply with the University events booking system or timetabling or try to prevent anyone from obtaining a place to attend;
- Block any access to events, buildings or obstruct the path of passers by;
- Disrupt any University events such as preventing speakers being heard or preventing an event from commencing or continuing;
- Cause any damage to property including unauthorised flyposting or stickering;
- Use any items which maybe harmful to the environment such as smoke canisters;
- Intimidate or be disrespectful to others either in person or in writing, including online and in particular on social media.
Non-Compliance
Failure to follow the guidelines, which support lawful, safe and peaceful protests and demonstrations, may constitute misconduct under the Student Conduct Procedure (Academic regulation A3 section 4.2 Student Conduct)(in the case of students) or the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure (PDF 548KB) (in the case of staff). Where staff or students invite third-party groups or individuals to join a protest on University premises, those staff or students will be responsible for ensuring compliance by those groups or individuals with RGU’s Policies, and Regulations.
Any allegations of criminal behaviour will be reported by the University to the police.
Review
This guidance will be reviewed every three years or as required. Next scheduled review is September 2027.