Brazil’s National Students’ Union (UNE) promoted demonstrations throughout the country today, the National Day of Paralyzation and Struggle in Defense of University Reform.
According to information provided by the press office of the Ministry of Education, there were mobilizations at universities and public demonstrations calling for the democratization and improvement in the quality of public education in Brazil.
The paralyzation received the backing of the Workers’ Central Union (CUT), the Brazilian Union of Secondary School Students (UBES), the National Confederation of School Workers (CONTEE), and the Federation of Brazilian University Workers’ Unions (FASUBRA).
According to the president of the UNE, Gustavo Petta, the organization defends, among other planks: expanding the number of places available in night sessions at public schools and the creation of a national student assistance plan.
They also want direct election of university rectors; and reserving 50% of the places available in each course and session for students from public schools, with quotas for students of African descent and Indians.
ABr