The year 1968 has become renowned for hosting some of the most important international political protests, many of which were initiated by student activists. The LSE was no exception to this global movement and the period from 1967-1969 became known as the “LSE Troubles”.
Opposition, activism, solidarity and occupation were all central to the period where demonstrations, sit-ins and disputes were common. One sit-in was 10 days long, 3000 students marched through London, and 104 LSE students were suspended. Due to the LSE’s international reputation and its central location, the events were of much interest to many local news outlets.
These events unfolded upon the opposition Sir Walter Adams’ appointment as the school’s Director. Adams had been criticised by students and teachers for his ties with Ian Smith’s racist regime in Rhodesia. Students, most notably David Adelstein (president of the Students’ Union) and Marshall Bloom (president of the Graduate’s Association) were found guilty of not following the Director’s orders and encouraging students to occupy the Old Theatre. They were suspended until the summer term, however other students threatened they would start a hunger strike in solidarity if their suspensions were not lifted. Adelstein and Bloom were allowed to return to their studies soon after.
600 students also protested the Vietnam War, the Times reporting that the action was led by a lecturer shouting “this way comrades!”. 25 students were arrested and the School was shut for three weeks.
The Atrium Gallery recently hosted an exhibition on the “LSE Troubles” period. An LSE spokesperson said 1968 marked “a turning point in the relationship between students, staff and the organisation of the School. Prior to this period, there was little student participation in the management of the School.”
During this period, eight students and two members of staff were prosecuted. In 1969, the Director Walter Adams published a report in which he admitted “I am confident that a later and impartial judgement will discover that in spite of all the tensions of the year the School emerged more united and clearer about its purpose and character”.
