By: Gabi Zlatanoff, 2L
Increasing political tension across the Americas has led to a rise in student-led protests concerning funding for various humanitarian and electoral concerns. The political passion of the youth is more fervent than ever, and their voices reign loud over their discontent. Student protests have historically been a cornerstone of humanitarian reform across the globe and are central to the notion of political autonomy in democratic states. From unrest in the Middle East to educational investment reform, this generation of students and are not afraid to express their discontent with their governing administrations.
In Costa Rica, teachers and trade union members joined students in the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the administration’s failure to adopt a higher education budget. A similar display occurred in Argentina, where President Javier Milei faced one of the nation’s largest marches just four months after taking office. Earlier this year, Paraguay had a 74% increase in demonstrations compared to the previous month, as students peacefully protested the proposed “Zero Hunger” reform on university grounds. On the home front, students in the United States have taken to college campuses to protest funding for the Israeli military and to show support for a ceasefire. Over the past year, across the Americas students have occupied traditionally recognized places of protest to amplify concern over their governments’ funding practices.
In congruence with this increase, there appears to be coordination among the tactics used by student groups to protest. Similar strategies can be seen from Chile to the United States as student protests gain popularity. For example, Latin American universities have mirrored the on-campus encampment-style protest displayed at Cornell and other universities, where students have called for a ceasefire in Gaza. This coordination may be the result of increasing coverage of student-led demonstrations in the media or may be a byproduct of our continually globalizing world. On-lookers are inspired by the passionate and young, yet informed, groups of protestors. Their impact can be felt and replicated globally, particularly in neighboring countries fighting for similar rights.
Great article! You did a fantastic job showing how student protests are driving change across the Americas! I love how you highlighted the global coordination and shared tactics, especially between Latin America and the U.S. It really shows the power and unity of this generation. Well done!