From the early 20th century through the 2011 revolution, student activism has played a profound role in supporting liberty and democracy in Egypt. The 2011 revolution was an opportunity for students to call for a series of key demands: the amendment of student bylaws to guarantee autonomy for student unions, alongside radical reforms in the education system in terms of curriculum, teaching styles, university independence, and teachers' salaries. Students believe there will be no liberty within universities if it does not exist in society. Abdel-Fattah Mady argues it is imperative to view student activism as inextricably linked to broader political demands emanating from Egyptian civil society in general. Student demands for educational reform and academic freedom will not be achieved without genuine democratic change in Egypt.