Brazil reports progress in anti-racist education and racial equity

The 2026 Equity Diagnosis, released by Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC), indicates significant progress in anti-racist education and racial equity indicators within public schools between 2024 and 2026.

Key advancements include the expansion of dedicated departments to coordinate racial equity actions, which grew from 15% to 42% in municipalities and reached 100% in state school networks. Additionally, campaigns for racial self-declaration increased, reaching 86% of municipal and 93% of state networks. These measures aim to address historical learning inequalities between Black and white students that had worsened between 2005 and 2023.

To support these efforts, the MEC has also released six Management Manuals (Cadernos de Gestão) through the Secretariat of Continuing Education, Youth and Adult Literacy, Diversity and Inclusion (Secadi). These guides provide normative frameworks and practical guidance for various educational modalities, including Quilombola, indigenous, special inclusive, and bilingual education for the deaf, focusing on areas such as planning, financing, and teacher training.