Massive Student Protests Against Education Reforms in Chile
Around 80 Thousand Chilean students and supporters protested against President Michelle Bachelet’s education reform legislation across Chile on August 21.
The march marked the third demonstration in recent months calling for the government to improve the quality of education and make it free at all levels. Chilean student and teacher organizations have demanded more involvement in drafting the government’s policy and selection process in schools.
They say they want more participation in talks on the reform, fearing “deals behind closed doors” or agreements that would benefit education businesses. Students complained about feeling excluded from educational reform talks, adding that the process is taking too long and increasing fears of back door deals taking place.
President Michelle Bachelet has promised to make reforms under the center-left government to the privatized education system in Chile, stagnating since the departure of Pinochet, and often criticized for being of poor quality and benefiting the rich.
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