Brazilian municipalities launch anti-racism protocols in schools

Municipalities in Brazil are implementing new protocols to combat racism within their public school systems.

Vila Velha has launched an anti-racist protocol for its municipal education network. Developed by the Municipal Education Secretariat (Semed) and the Coordination of African, Afro-Brazilian, and Indigenous Studies (Ceafri-VV), the document provides legal bases and procedures for identifying, registering, and reporting racial incidents. The initiative aims to protect those involved, ensure institutional accountability, and monitor actions taken by schools, following national equity policies.

In Teresópolis, the Municipal Education Secretariat has established new norms through Ordinance SME/GS nº 18. This protocol mandates that educators act immediately during racial discrimination incidents, prioritizing the protection of victims. The regulation explicitly distinguishes racism from bullying, noting that racism is driven by racial motivation. It prohibits dismissing incidents as “jokes” or “misunderstandings” and requires formal registration of all occurrences, including witnesses and specific measures taken, while ensuring the curriculum incorporates anti-racist education throughout the year.