Student organizations have always been, locally and internationally, an integral part of the society and the changes it undergoes. As students struggle to contribute to the advancement of societies that often marginalizes the views of the young, they often become central in revolts against the status quo. These movements were not strange to Jamaica either, as students have long been involved in the advocacy for change and improvement of schools and society in general.

The democratization of school boards in the early 1970’s gave birth to student participation in the decision making process through their student governments. It was not until 1980 however that the laws provided for student involvement in the decisions of schools at the highest level – the School Board.