We deplore this attack on freedom of expression in Brazil’s universities - Tribune, The Guardian, 1er novembre 2018

Reports have emerged on social media that more than 20 universities in Brazil have been subjected in recent days to : invasions by military police ; the confiscation of teaching materials on ideological grounds ; and the suppression of freedom of speech and expression, especially in relation to anti-fascist history and activism.

As academics, researchers, graduates, students and workers at universities in the UK, Europe and further afield, we deplore this attack on freedom of expression in Brazil’s universities, which comes as a direct result of the campaign and election of far-right President Bolsonaro.

Academic autonomy is a linchpin not only of independent and objective research, but of a functioning democracy, which should be subject to scrutiny and informed, evidence-based investigation and critique.

We call on co-workers, colleagues and students to decry this attack on Brazil’s universities in the name of Bolsonaro’s wider militaristic, anti-progressive agenda. We will not stand by as this reactionary populist attacks the pillars of Brazil’s democracy and education system. We will campaign vigorously in whatever capacity we can with activists, educators and lawmakers in Brazil to ensure that its institutions can operate without the interference of this new – and hopefully short-lived – government.

Liste des signataires à trouver ici.