The People's Record

Learning from Chilean student leaders: Camila Vallejo & Noam Titelman in NYC Oct. 15

As education in the US & in many countries around the world becomes increasingly privatized & available to only those who can afford it, student movements across the globe are needed more now than ever.

We have seen great strides from other students valiantly fighting to keep their schools funded, education accessible & tuition low. University students in Quebec have won their struggle to dissolve tuition increases, but are now going even further to ensure free higher education for everyone. 

Students across the world need to take note on these movements & spark one of their own. A particularly powerful example is the students in Chile demanding education reform on all levels. Hundreds of thousands have marched through the streets since last year to end the profit motive in education & to call for new universities to be built (none have been created since 1990).

As economic inequality in Chile continues to hold its spot as one of the worst in the world according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the need for fair & accessible education becomes more pressing. Students have not backed down even though riot police & brutality has met them at nearly every protest. The Chilean student movement continues to gain momentum, becoming a vital source of inspiration for other students struggling to hold on to their schools.

So if you’re in the New York City area on October 15, plan to be at the CUNY Graduate Center to learn from Chilean student leaders Camila Vallejo & Noam Titelman, along with Quebec & CUNY student activists. Tickets are free, but there are only 46 left. 

Education is a human right, & the time to act is now.