Measure applies to state universities and provides for a fine of R$100,000 in case of non-compliance
The Legislative Assembly of Santa Catarina () approved a project that ends racial quotas in state universities this Thursday (11). The proposal also provides for a fine of R$100,000 for institutions that continue to offer the modality, in addition to losing public funds. Other quotas remain valid, such as for disabled people, public school students and economic criteria. The project had only seven votes against and now goes to the governor (PL) for sanction.
In October, the project was considered unconstitutional by the first rapporteur, Fabiano da Luz (PT), but with a new opinion the proposal was approved. Alex Brasil (PL), author of the proposal, justified the measure as a way of guaranteeing “equality”. “The adoption of quotas based on criteria other than strictly economic or student origin in public schools raises legal controversies and may conflict with the principles of equality and impersonality, by creating distinctions that do not necessarily reflect situations of disadvantage”.
Measure should affect the State University of Santa Catarina (Udesc), and other institutions that are part of the Acafe system, which receives public money from the state. Private colleges that are linked to the Apesc system, which receives grants from the Santa Catarina Higher Education Maintenance and Development Support Fund (Fumdesc), should also be affected.
