We have recently received questions from staff and students about how Freedom of Speech/Academic Freedom and the Prevent duty on Higher Education institutions apply to expressions of support for Palestine, and specifically in relation to Palestine Action, which since 5 July 2025 has been officially proscribed under the UK Terrorism Act 2000. The Place is committed to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law. Our policies recognise the right to discuss and express political views, even where these are controversial or unpopular. At the same time, we are legally required to ensure that expression does not cross into unlawful activity, including support for proscribed organisations.

This FAQ sets out what is permitted, what is prohibited, and links to full policies for further information.

Can students and staff still express support for Palestine in general?

Yes. Political expression and advocacy around Palestine (including support for human rights and calls for international aid) remain protected under our institution’s Freedom of Speech, Academic Freedom and related policies, so long as such expression is legal, non-violent, and does not support a proscribed organisation.

Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom | The Place

Can I hold a fundraising event or peaceful protest in support of Palestine?

Yes. Cultural Activism is a value we promote and celebrate at The Place, and we support the right of staff, students and artists working with The Place to campaign on a range of issues.

Individuals must be mindful of relevant policies including The Place Bullying and Harassment policy and Equity and inclusion principles when making public statements.

If you would like to organise a fundraising or campaigning event, please see our Guidelines on Political Campaigning and Activity for further information on the process to follow.

What is not permitted?

The law prohibits threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in circumstances where there is a likelihood of stirring up racial or other forms of hatred.
Speech that amounts to discrimination, harassment and victimisation as set out in The Place’s Bullying and Harassment policy and Equity and inclusion principles does not constitute free speech within the law and is not protected.
The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 requires The Place to prevent expressions of support for a proscribed terrorist organisation. Support for proscribed organisations is also covered by The Place’s Prevent Policy.

What does it mean that Palestine Action is now proscribed?

Since 5 July 2025, Palestine Action has been officially proscribed under the UK Terrorism Act 2000 [The Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2025]. It is now a criminal offence to:

Be a member of Palestine Action
Invite or express support for Palestine Action
Display its symbols, logo, or anything that may reasonably suggest membership or support
Organise, host or speak at events specifically in support of or organised by Palestine Action
Fundraise for or materially support Palestine Action

Because Palestine Action is proscribed, the activities listed above may expose individuals to criminal liability. The Metropolitan Police advises that chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos in support of Palestine Action are criminal offences and may lead to arrest under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Posts on social media that display support for Palestine Action by using logos, slogans, or encouraging others to support the organisation may also violate the law.

Social Media Guidelines - staff
Social Media Guidelines - students

How do our Freedom of Speech and other policies apply to Palestine Action?

Our duty to protect Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom does not extend to expressions of support for a proscribed organisation. Staff and students should be aware that support for Palestine Action is therefore not protected by these policies; in addition, bullying or harassing behaviour may be subject to disciplinary action. See The Place Freedom of Speech Policy and Code of Conduct and Academic Freedom Policy and related links for further information.

Our Prevent duty, part of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, means we must monitor and report instances of support for a proscribed group, which at the current time includes Palestine Action. See our Prevent Policy for further information.

Staff and students should be aware that arrests, charges and convictions under the Terrorism Act 2000 may be listed on Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and may impact future employment that requires DBS clearance. See our DBS policy and Criminal Records policy for further information.

What is still permitted?

Staff, students and artists can:

Advocate for Palestinian human rights, freedom of movement, or humanitarian responses, as long as this advocacy does not express support for Palestine Action or any proscribed group
Criticise Israel’s international policies, as long as the language and behaviour used is not discriminatory, bullying or harassing
Join or organise lawful protests and debates about Palestine which are not held in support of Palestine Action and do not display materials in support of Palestine Action
Publish research, essays, speeches or works of art that discuss Palestine or activism, so long as these do not encourage support or membership of Palestine Action, or display symbols in a supportive way that could be interpreted as endorsing Palestine Action.

The Place (as an organisation) is governed by charity law and is not able to make statements or campaign on policies that are not related to the performing arts or arts education. Please see our Guidelines on Political Campaigning and Activity for further information.

What do I do if I need further guidance?

Ensure any political campaigning or fundraising is compliant with the law. Before organising, hosting, or speaking at an event, check whether materials used or persons attending are associated with Palestine Action (see also Guidelines on Political Campaigning and Activity)
When posting on social media or in public, think about whether your expression might be construed as support for Palestine Action (see also Social Media Guidelines  – staff and Social Media Guidelines  – students) · If you have further questions, please seek advice from:

- Dr Lise Smith, Head of Governance

- Laura Naldrett, Head of HR

- Dr Lise Uytterhoeven, Chief Academic Officer