 Accompanying literacy , Guevara was also concerned with establishing universal access to higher education . To accomplish this , the new regime introduced affirmative action to the universities . While announcing this new commitment , Guevara told the gathered faculty and students at the University of Las Villas that the days when education was " a privilege of the white middle class " had ended . " The University " he said , " must paint itself black , mulatto , worker , and peasant . " If it did not , he warned , the people would break down its doors " and paint the University the colors they like . " 
