Bahia prosecutors sue to reopen closed quilombola school in Piatã

The Public Prosecutor's Office of the State of Bahia (MPBA) has filed a civil public action against the Municipality of Piatã to reopen a school located in the Barreiro de Inúbia Quilombola Community. The legal action argues that the school was closed without meeting the legal requirements established by the National Education Guidelines and Bases Law (LDB) for closing rural, indigenous, or quilombola educational units.

The school served children in early childhood education and the initial years of elementary school for the Barreiro and Tamboril quilombola communities. Prosecutors state that transferring students to units outside their traditional territory may have compromised their access to education, school retention, and the preservation of their cultural identity.

The MPBA claims the municipality failed to provide documentation showing an impact diagnosis, community consultation, or prior approval from the Municipal Education Council. The lawsuit seeks an immediate injunction to suspend the closure, the reopening of the unit within ten days, and the return of any removed furniture or equipment.