SANTIAGO (AP) ― The government of Chile is standing firm against social protests, saying education reform can only happen through official channels.

Government spokesman Andres Chadwick says Chile “is not going to be governed from the street.”

That’s a hard-line message to students who have been striking for more than two months now and marching by the tens of thousands calling for free and equal quality education. Students have rejected President Sebastian Pinera’s proposals and are holding out now for a nationwide referendum to improve education funding.

Some of the protests have turned violent. Chadwick warned student leaders Friday that most Chileans don’t want violence, and urged them to participate in negotiations with congressional leaders.