Case study f
A group of students is discussing attending a demonstration against UK military action overseas in a predominantly Muslim country. You, as a member of the security staff, are aware from discussions that you have heard among students that this a a real concern for them at the moment.
One student has put a poster up on the wall by the entrance which advertises the event.
You are aware that there are some students from the nearby university, who are not member of your organisation, standing on the steps giving out leaflets which are advertising the demonstration. One of the university students gives you a leaflet which has some statements which you are not sure about but you think might be extremist.
Activity
What would you do in this situation? Make a note of your thoughts in your notepad and then click below to view our suggestions.
Students are encouraged to engage in the democratic political process and part of that might be attending a legal and peaceful demonstration.
You need to check if permission has been given to put up a poster. All posters put up by students should go through an approval process. It is good practice to have a process through which all staff but especially security and facilities staff know which posters have been approved through the normal process, perhaps by use of the organisation's stamp on the poster.
Members of the public, including students from neighbouring university do not have the right to distribute leaflets on the provider premises e.g. the steps. You should check how the organisation wants this to be dealt with through the Safeguarding officer or appropriate senior manager. If students are being harassed or their way into the building is being blocked you will need to deal with this urgently.
Members of the public do have the right to distribute leaflets in public space so long as they are not obstructing the way or harassing other members of the public including your students and staff. You should check with your Safeguarding officer or senior staff, depending on the structure and show them the leaflet so that they can decide if this needs referring to the local Prevent team.
If the public way is begin blocked they, or senior managers, will decide whether to contact the police.