Chile student protesters occupy high schools (protesting private sector takeover of schools) [View all]

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/15/chile-student-protesters-high-schools

Hundreds of students have occupied high schools and blocked traffic in Chile's capital to demand education reform. Police in riot gear evicted students from several schools but at least seven remained occupied on Wednesday.

The changes sought by students who have been protesting and boycotting classes all week would fundamentally overhaul a school system that has been privatised since the 1973-90 dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet.

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The government plans to raise about US$1bn in taxes for education but students say it is not enough. Beyer has said the government will not cede to their demands for free education, calling it an unfair, backward-looking policy.

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Student leaders say real change will only come when the private sector is regulated and education is no longer a for-profit business.