Proposal from the Legislative Chamber authorizes monitoring in public schools, but causes a strong reaction from teachers who point out a risk to pedagogical freedom
The Legislative Chamber of the Federal District (CLDF) approved the bill that authorizes the installation of video cameras with audio in classrooms in public schools. The proposal, reported by deputy Roosevelt Vilela (PL), provides that the measure is optional, at the discretion of the management of each unit, and establishes strict rules for the use of images, in accordance with the General Data Protection Law ().
In an interview with Jovem Pan News, the parliamentarian explained that the main objective of the proposal is to reinforce security throughout the school environment. “The main objective is to offer security to the entire school community — teachers, students, parents, in short, all the people who orbit this environment, which is sacred and security, tranquility and simply the exchange of knowledge must prevail”, he stated.
The deputy also clarified how the images could be used in conflict situations within schools. “The project provides for the rules of the LGPD. The director or whoever he designates will be responsible for access to the information. Anyone — parent, teacher — can have access as long as they register a police report, demonstrating their interest or evidence of inappropriate conduct. The chief then requests the images and the police authority checks whether there was any irregularity or crime.”
Roosevelt Vilela also countered criticism that the measure could intimidate teachers and affect teaching freedom: “Not at all. The cameras will give peace of mind for the teacher to develop their content in the classroom. They bring security, because knowing that the classrooms are filmed, will certainly discourage any type of disrespectful practice. The teacher will continue to have complete freedom to choose the best teaching method and apply the pedagogical content.”
The parliamentarian highlighted that recent cases of violence within schools, including physical attacks, threats and even serious crimes, reinforce the need for measures that guarantee greater protection for the school community.
“We had a father who attacked a teacher in the classroom, a teacher arrested for abusing a four-year-old child and a student who stabbed his colleague in Riacho Fundo. With the approval of the project, we take a big step towards building a safer school environment conducive to the exchange of knowledge.”
