Two months of protesting and demonstration by students attending various campuses of the University of Puerto Rico seem to be close to finding a resolution with University administration.

Democracy Now reports:

Students at the University of Puerto Rico have declared victory in their two-month strike against massive budget cuts at their school. The students and the university’s Board of Regents have signed an agreement that includes an extension of tuition waivers, the cancellation of a fee that would have drastically raised education costs, and a commitment not to arbitrarily punish strike participants. The students also say the University of Puerto Rico has agreed to reject a series of initiatives that would have increased privatization of the school. The students will hold a general assembly on Monday to seek campus-wide approval for the agreement.

Students also created and celebrated a communal commencement at the Rio Piedras campus. Berta Joubert-Ceci at Workers World reports:

On the 52nd day of a strike against privatization and tuition increases, the students of the University of Puerto Rico celebrated a symbolic yet very genuine act of commencement right on Ponce de León Avenue, in front of the Río Piedras campus. Accentuating one of the strike’s main slogans — “Eleven campuses, one UPR” — it was the first time a graduation was held of all 11 campuses and the UPR High School together. This was a graduation that rewarded the most essential education — the commitment to a just society shown by these students, who are aware of their historic role and loyal to their people, particularly the poorest on the island. Dressed in a variety of ways, from graduation gowns to jeans, the students wore ribbons that read, “UPR 2010 Dignity.”

In this unique act that was organized by students, parents and professors, the students were given a certificate that read in part: “You have demonstrated an unquestionable commitment to your country in the defense of public higher education of accessible quality. You are a worthy example for future generations. For this and other reasons we award you the honorary degree of exemplary citizen.”

I also appreciated Joubert-Ceci’s discussion of successes that have already been achieved by the strike and lessons learned. Among lessons learned:

The students have used the following elements:

1. A clear and firm message. Their demands have been concretely expressed from day one.

2. At the same time, they have pointed out the failures of the Fortuño administration. In this way, their demands have resonated with the majority of the people, who have been affected by budget cuts, privatization of services, layoffs and more.

3. Exposure of the UPR administration lies and slander tactics. The students have carefully researched and shown facts presented through PowerPoint, videos, documents and other media.

4. Uniting all the 11 campuses in one struggle around important demands that affect all of them. The aim has been to defend public education, regardless of political affiliation or ideology.

5. Participatory democracy.

6. They have taken the struggle outside of the campuses, going to where the people are.

7. They have used utmost creativity throughout the strike: street theater, clever songs and slogans, use of art and music, etc.

8. They have made full use of the Internet, social networks like Facebook and Twitter, blogs, diverse websites and alternative media, including the creation of a radio station, “Radio Huelga” (Strike Radio), where they give daily updates and directly communicate with the people outside the university.

9. They have carefully and thoughtfully prepared important and realistic proposals to solve the financial crisis of the university.

10. They have cared for the campus while occupying the university.

For instance: In an island where recycling is almost absent, they teach the dangers of environmental pollution by recycling. In an island where public transportation is ineffective, with one of the highest ratios of cars per inhabitants, they show the importance of alternative transportation by using bikes. In Puerto Rico, where despite the mild subtropical climate 90 percent of food is imported, they teach by example by creating organic vegetable and fruit gardens, showing the possibility of food self-sufficiency.

They have also taken firm positions on social issues like anti-LGBT bigotry, displaying banners against homophobia around the campus. In the evenings they hold enriching organized discussions and show documentary films on many topics.

The 2010 student strike, regardless of the final outcome, has already been a success. It will only help other sectors in the advancement of the class struggle.