THE STUDENT RIGHTS MOVEMENT

In the 1946-64 period, the number of college students in the United States doubled. By 1968, 50% of all 18- and 19-year olds were in college, which made them an especially important part of society. Student activism was a very important fore-runner and contributor to the movements of anti-war dissent and revolt.

The student movement mobilized young people like never before. Students demanded more freedom to be politically active, to change the established curriculum... Radical student newspapers appeared encouraging even more students to get involved.

All over the USA, students whose requests were initially ridiculed suddenly were taking over administration buildings, holding sit-ins and issuing long lists of demands. Their protests were often met with excessive police brutality.