Student activism
Student activism or campus activism is work by students to cause political, environmental, economic, or social change. In addition to education, student groups often play central roles in democratization and winning civil rights.[1]
Modern student activist movements span all ages, races, socio-economic backgrounds, and political perspectives.[2] Some student protests focus on the internal affairs of an institution (like disinvestment); others tackle wars or dictatorships. Student activism is most often associated with left-wing politics.[3]
Early examples[edit]
Student activism at the university level is nearly as old as the university itself.
Students in Paris and Bologna staged collective actions as early as the 13th century, chiefly over town and gown issues.[4]
Student protests over broader political issues also have a long pedigree. In Joseon Dynasty Korea, 150 Sungkyunkwan students staged an unprecedented demonstration against the king in 1519 over the Kimyo purge.[5]