From time to time, external activist groups visit areas around the School and set up stalls in public spaces. Some of these groups focus on controversial, polarising or emotionally charged issues and may seek to engage students and staff in discussion or debate.
In some cases, their primary objective is not simply to discuss these issues, but to generate content for social media by filming or recording interactions, particularly where conversations become heated, confrontational or emotionally charged.
This article explains what the School can and cannot do, what to do if you encounter one of these groups, and where to get support.
What the School can and cannot do
External groups are sometimes present in public areas around campus, such as near the Library, the Centre Building, the Globe, and the SAW Building. These are public spaces where individuals and groups are generally entitled to be present.
As a result, neither the School nor the police can require individuals or groups to leave simply because their views are unpopular, provocative or upsetting. Both the School and the police must operate within legal protections relating to freedom of expression and lawful use of public spaces.
However, freedom of expression does not mean that all behaviour is permitted.
The School will take appropriate action, including working with the police where necessary, where there is evidence that an individual or group is:
- Harassing, threatening or intimidating members of our community;
- Inciting violence or hatred;
- Creating a breach of the peace; or
- Any other unlawful behaviour.
In most cases, the School is not aware that a group intends to be present until they have already arrived. When we become aware of activity on or near campus, relevant teams work together to share information and coordinate an appropriate response, including with Campus Security.
Advice on engagement
LSE encourages open discussion and the respectful exchange of ideas. Students should complete their training on Global Conversaiton at LSE: how to engage with difference: Course: Global conversations at LSE 2026/27 | Moodle This training is also accessible to staff should they wish to complete.
This course aims to help you navigate these conversations, which can sometimes be difficult. It outlines some key challenges to effective dialogue and provides some strategies to help you listen actively, engage thoughtfully, and disagree constructively with others.
However, you are under no obligation to engage with individuals or groups seeking to discuss controversial or polarising issues. If you do not wish to participate, it is entirely appropriate to walk past and continue with your day.
You may encounter stalls on campus from external organisations which include a table, microphone, camera and a sign that makes a statement and reads “change my mind”. The statement itself may be something you find offensive, inaccurate or harmful.
The “change my mind” framing might look like an invitiation to dialogue but look more carefully at the set up: a a microphone, a camera, an audience. This is designed for performance, not conversation. Research on what makes dialogue productive emphasises psychological safety, the sense that you can speak honestly without being recorded, ridiculed or used as content. That condition does not exist here. Our strongest advice is to avoid engaging with these groups.
Experience suggests that many of these organisations rely on interactions with students and staff to generate content for their websites and social media channels. The more engagement they receive, the greater the incentive to return.
If you’re approached or filmed, keep walking and don’t give your name, job title or department. If anything concerning happens, note the time, place and what happened. Speak with a member of the security team on campus, call 020 7955 6200, or go in person to the main reception/security desk in the Old Building in Houghton Street.
If you’re named, tagged or targeted online after an encounter, don’t respond to the account yourself, and keep screenshots. Report this via Report + Support for further advice and support: Report + Support - Report + Support - LSE.
This page provides more information on Online harassment, abuse and harmful content.
If you are impacted by the presence of a group
We recognise that the presence of these groups can be distressing, particularly where their messages relate to characteristics, identities or experiences that are important to members of our community.
If you would like support, please use the School's usual support channels, including Student Wellbeing Service and Staff Wellbeing.
If you would like further advice or wish to raise concerns about activity on campus, you can also contact the EDI team at edi@lse.ac.uk.
How to report
If you believe that a group or individual is engaging in threatening, abusive, harassing or otherwise unlawful behaviour, please report it immediately to Campus Security.
Campus Security can be contacted on extension 2000 (020 7955 6200) or in person at the the main reception/security desk in the Old Building in Houghton Street.
For information about how to make a report or seek support for any incident or experience please see our web page Tackling Harassment and Sexual Misconduct.
Final message
We understand that the arrival of these groups can be frustrating, uncomfortable and unsettling. While the School's ability to restrict lawful activity in public spaces is limited, we remain committed to supporting our community, monitoring situations as they arise, and taking action whenever behaviour crosses the line into unlawful conduct.
You are not obliged to engage with these groups. In many situations, the most effective response is simply to disengage, prioritise your wellbeing, and seek support or advice if you need it.