Understanding the Recent College Demonstrations

Jimmy Franco Sr.

Gilda Ochoa, Ph.D.

Enrique Ochoa, Ph.D.

Understanding the Recent College Demonstrations

In fall 2015, thousands of college students across the nation organized, protested, and demanded change at their schools. From the hiring of more faculty of color to the teaching of Ethnic and GLBTQ Studies and increasing student programs, students' lists of demands were vast. 

Naysayers and conservative pundits were quick to critique these protests, but too few people took the time to listen and learn from students. As students return to their campuses from winter break, this show brings together student activists, educators, and community members to reflect on students’ demands, the factors fueling their protests, and the possibilities for change.

Students have long been the ones pushing for educational transformation.These latest demonstrations aren’t isolated incidents or the gripes of so-called "coddled” or “whining” individuals, as some would want us to believe. Instead, students’ demands stem from decades of racism, class inequality, and other forms of exclusion. Now is the time to listen to students’ demands and work together to ensure that our schools serve all of our students.