The occupation of SUS in May 24, 1968 – a key event in Sweden's student political history

In May 1968, an event of great significance took place at Stockholm University – the occupation of SUS – where students occupied SUS as a form of protest against the student politics and the education debate of the time. The occupation stands as an important event in the history of Swedish student politics and marks a time of political engagement and activism among students. But what really happened and what were the consequences?

What caused the occupation of SUS?

In the early 1960s, the number of students in Sweden doubled. The government was concerned that many students, especially in the field of Humanities and Social sciences, were not completing their studies, as many were taking independent courses. At the initiative of the Ministry of Finance, the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKAS) therefore proposed in the spring of 1968 that students in Humanities and Social sciences should be forced to choose programmes instead of courses. In addition, students who did not take their credits could be suspended from further studies.

The occupation of SUS arose in response to a meeting called by the Stockholm University Student Union to discuss the government's planned reform. The meeting, held on 24 May 1968, was intended to give students a platform to express their opinions and concerns about the proposed changes. However, the meeting took an unexpected turn when the meeting participants declared the student union building "occupied". The occupation was thus an effort to combat what was seen as excessive government interference in higher education. The demonstration received considerable attention, and even Sweden's Minister of Education Olof Palme attended to try to address the students' concerns.

Consequences of the occupation

The occupation of SUS and the broad student movement during this time had consequences for Swedish student politics and society at large. In the following years, several high-profile occupations took place around the country. In Stockholm, for example, the Mullvaden neighborhood on Södermalm was occupied for eleven months. In addition, the occupation showed activists throughout Sweden that this could be a political tool.

The importance of student power

The occupation highlights the importance of student power and their ability to drive change. Through their courage, tenacity, and commitment, the students demonstrated during this event not only their resistance to educational policy reform, but also their willingness to fight for their rights. The occupation of SUS stands as a living example of how students can, as active citizens, strive to shape society in a direction that reflects their values ​​and beliefs.