Seeds of Rebellion: How Long-Term Repression Shapes Student Movement Culture

• In Event: Participation, Voting and Civil Rights in the United States

Abstract

In a world where repression often seeks to silence dissent, student movements emerge as powerful agents of change, defying expectations. This thesis explores the enduring impact of government repression on student movements across different political contexts by answering the question: How does long-term suppression impact student movement culture? By analyzing case studies, reviewing archival material, and conducting interviews of student activists from Columbia University, the Dhaka University, and the University of Algiers, I investigate how sustained suppression cultivates a transgenerational culture of resistance among students. Contrary to the belief that repression diminishes dissent, this research argues that it fosters resilience and a shared identity rooted in collective grievances. This study contributes to understanding how student movements must be protected within national and international laws to prevent future instances of extreme violence and suppression.

Author

• Sabirah Mahmud, University of Pennsylvania