Sao Paulo, November 26 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Eight students who had been participating in an occupation of their school in Sao Paulo were arrested by the police on Tuesday in a possible sign of a crackdown by authorities against a widespread protest that has seen 151 schools occupied.

Forum magazine reported that the eight students, between the ages of 16 to 17, were arrested on the charge of vandalism of public property. The students, who were released later that day, deny the charges.

Students and teachers began occupying schools earlier this month over objections to Governor Geraldo Alckmin's plan to close approximately 94 schools throughout the state.

The occupations have becoming increasingly organized, with volunteers at some schools offering a wide-range of classes and workshops in place of the regular curriculum. 

Students have also self-organized specialized committees that help ensure the schools are maintained in good condition and only those who are authorized to enter are permitted inside.

“Everyone was organizing from the beginning … People clean the bathrooms, people clean the school … If people are going to stay in the school, they are not going to vandalize,” one student at the Raul Fonseca State School, currently occupied, told Brasil de Fato.

Representatives from over 50 schools facing possible closure gathered on Tuesday night to share experiences and issue a collective statement outlining their demands. 

Students are seeking a commitment from the government of Sao Paulo to keep all schools open, halt any teacher dismissals, and for students participating in the occupations to be absolved of any wrong-doing. 

The occupation movement has steadily grown, with 151 schools occupied as of Tuesday.