{"id":7403,"date":"2026-06-18T17:55:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T17:55:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.marsal.umich.edu\/studentstories\/chile-sites\/student-activism\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T18:46:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T18:46:20","slug":"student-activism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.marsal.umich.edu\/studentstories\/chile-2026\/chile-sites\/student-activism\/","title":{"rendered":"Student activism across continents: The tapestry that connects us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“I have faith in Chile and its destiny. Other men will overcome this dark and bitter moment.” Salvador Allende\u2019s final words imprinted on the commemorative statue echo as you stand in the Plaza de la Constituci\u00f3n<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At first glance, the square seems ordinary, filled with the everyday sounds of families gathering, school groups exploring, and dog owners enjoying a beautiful afternoon. Yet, as our delegation begins learning about Chile’s history, we quickly realize that history is never far away here. Before long, the courtyard fills with citizens standing in solidarity\u2014an image deeply familiar to this nation and its college students. On May 12, 2026, the issue bringing them together is housing. During the 2019 Social Outburst (Estallido Social<\/em>), however, the grievances are broader, rooted in longstanding concerns over inequality, education, pensions, healthcare, and the rising cost of living. Though the causes differ, the spirit of collective action remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Interwoven throughout our visits, whether to historical sites, college campuses, or during moments of personal exploration, is the enduring narrative of student activism. Chile’s graffiti culture paints a vivid picture of the nation’s recent past and its many uprisings. Entire streets serve as open-air exhibitions illustrating the power of Chilean citizens, the resilience of its ancestors, and the promise of its youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As students at Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica de Chile’s Campus San Joaqu\u00edn<\/a> prepared signage, we found ourselves immersed in an activist culture that has significantly influenced generations of students much like ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immersed in History<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later that afternoon, a visit to the Villa Grimaldi Peace Park<\/a> triggered deeply rooted emotions as we learned of the torturous acts against Chilean citizens under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990). Though the regime ended only a few decades ago, during my own childhood years, the trauma of this era continues to cast a shadow over every facet of the nation’s tapestry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The raised fist, a symbol of strength and resilience, creates an immediate connection to a common greeting used in my own culture. Once again, we found students at the center of activism. Some student prisoners are noted as having \u201cutilized their skills to clandestinely map the camp, memorize the faces of captors, and identify fellow prisoners to preserve the history of the site.\u201d (https:\/\/villagrimaldi.cl\/historia\/antes-de-1973\/<\/a> ) Later, students joined survivors and community members to protest efforts to destroy Villa Grimaldi. Their activism ultimately preserved the site and transformed it into today’s Parque por la Paz (Peace Park).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An especially encouraging encounter occurred at the memorial, where I met a group of high school students preparing a project for D\u00eda del Patrimonio 2026. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that the responsibility of remembrance is being passed to a new generation, a realization of Salvador Allende\u2019s final words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only days after our historical lesson, the safety alert captured in this screenshot was released, illustrating the persistent reality of activism in Chile<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Current Initiatives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our formal introduction to contemporary student activism in Chile came at University of Chile School of Engineering and Sciences, where we warmly welcomed student activists Gracia and Danila to our newly expanded network. Focusing on the challenges of maintaining student engagement in contemporary movements, their passion was indicative of the nation\u2019s activist spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An engine for student activism in Chile, the Federaci\u00f3n de Estudiantes de la Universidad de Chile (FECh) continues collaborating with institutions across the country to advocate for student concerns. During our visit, organization leaders were actively working to increase participation in student elections. By the time of this writing, they had successfully surpassed the voting threshold required to hold an election and selected a new leader on June 4, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FECh’s influence extends beyond campus politics. During the Social Outburst of 2019, the organization played a significant role in mobilizing students and advancing demands for social change. Although efforts to rewrite the constitution were unsuccessful, the movement helped usher in a new political era that culminated in the election of former student protest leader Gabriel Boric. Students also highlighted Michelle Bachelet as a leader who translated public demands into lasting educational reforms. Our new colleagues also pointed to Michelle Bachelet as a leader who translated public demands into lasting educational reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Universidad T\u00e9cnica Federico Santa Mar\u00eda, we learned how student activism had shaped the campus. The former rector’s residence was relocated because the campus’ single entry point often created an encampment-like environment during student protests, illustrating the influence of student movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Toward Home<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, back on our home campus, the celebration surrounding successful Graduate Employees Organization contract negotiations feels somewhat hollow as students continue protesting immigration policies, changes to DEI initiatives, and restrictions affecting pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The victory is meaningful, yet it exists alongside ongoing struggles over whose voices are heard and protected within higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What stood out most in Chile was how solidarity extended beyond individual campuses. High school and university students alike united around shared concerns. Witnessing that collective action prompted reflection on the potential impact of similarly coordinated movements in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, this journey is grounded in a Freedom Dream Manifesto developed as a capstone project. One component, The Graphic \u201cTea,\u201d collects phrases and quotations from student activists throughout the semester. Connecting those narratives with experiences abroad became a personal mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a childhood housing project where many members of my family lived, to an online classroom at the nation’s leading public university, to the streets of Santiago, this journey comes full circle. Yet activism, much like history, is rarely linear. It is cyclical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey ends and begins once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Adapted from Freedom Dream Manifesto visual for EDUC 771 Activism and Social Movements in College, led by Charles Davis III<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n

by Devan Safford<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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