Chilean students and parents march against education reform

2014-10-26 1,973

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

STORY: Opponents of a landmark education reform in Chile came out to the center of Santiago on Saturday (October 25) to protest the overhaul.

Earlier this week, the reform, spearheaded by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, passed its first major hurdle after the Lower House approved the bill and sent it on to the Senate.

The multi-pronged reform seeks to put an end to profits at state-subsidized schools and to eliminate selective entrance policies at those establishments. It will be financed by a recently approved tax overhaul that will increase the state's coffers by $8.3 billion.

The march in Santiago was organized by the Chilean Confederation of Parents and Supporters said the march drew participants from the whole country and turnout exceeded 100,000 people, according to local news reports.

Protesters chanted a host of rallying cries, many emphasizing protections for the rights of individuals to exercise control over

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