SANTIAGO (AP) ― Chilean student groups that have been protesting more than five months to demand the government improve education have refused the president’s request to resume negotiations and say they won’t go back to class.

A confederation of 36 student groups at Chile’s 25 state universities made the decision during a meeting Sunday. President Sebastian Pinera had urged the groups to restart talks that the students broke off last week and to resume their studies.

Striking students are demanding the government provide free public education for all students, not just the poorest.

They also want state subsidies for private colleges reduced and the government to improve the quality of education.