An NPR interview with Nancy Thomas leaves hope for any students who want to make a change.
Thomas, the director of the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts University, believes that the voices of young people are instrumental for change. She points out that student activism has always been present. However, she does acknowledge that activism by K-12 students is reaching a forefront.
One important thing about student activism is the fact that the people protesting certain policies are those that those policies most affect — students. Young people often feel as though politicians are not listening to them. By getting involved they can feel as though they are part of the democracy.
The real takeaway? The fact that politicians won’t be able to ignore their activism any longer. Regardless of whether government officials take immediate action, they certainly cannot turn a blind eye — and that’s something.
