Protests & Vigils

The Legal Stuff On Protests

As a Students' Union, we're here to support and represent our members (students). We want you to be able to exercise your freedom of speech, which means we'll support you in organising a protest (as long as you follow our procedures!).

As a charity, we are also bound under charity law to only provide resources under the following conditions: 

• The issue needs to 'impact students as students'. We can facilitate wider debate if a student wishes, but there needs to be some link to students. 
• We can't be party political, this is something we need to keep in mind particularly during election periods due to electoral law and 'purdah'.
• Student groups can be party political, but we cannot provide resources directly for that aim. I.e we wouldn't pay for a Student Labour Society's flyers for them to canvas for a political candidate. 
• Student groups are also allowed to fundraise for charities, which we can't do. 

If you want to organise a protest, then you can fill out the following form and we'll meet with you to guide you through the process, it will most likely take 2 weeks from submitting the form to the day of the protest. This may feel frustrating, but it allows us to make sure we're being compliant, and gives you time to promote!

You should also keep in mind that if you want to march, then legally we need to inform the police 10 days before the protest, the police may not attend, but they have to be notified, they do not have to be notified for a stationary protest. 

Organise a Protest or Vigil

Vigils 

Vigils are held to stand in solidarity or to mourn a group impacted by a natural disaster, war or a devastating situation. We'd usually invite the Chaplain and students to speak about their experiences and emotions. 

Vigils usually last about 30 minutes and have a quicker turn around of 3 days. Due to this, we cannot accept external speakers at the vigil. 

Resources 

We can provide you with the following resources if you plan with us: 

• Microphones & portable speaker 
• Banner making materials & paint 
• Staff to act as stewards
• Hi-vis for stewards 

Code of Conduct 

As a student at Sheffield Hallam University you are bound under the Student Code of Conduct, this includes any actions at protests.

Your Rights 

If you're unsure of your rights as an activist, check out our student activist rights resource.