Brazilian universities ban political protests amid election tensions

Major Brazilian private universities, including Mackenzie Presbyterian University in São Paulo and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), have banned political and partisan events on their campuses. The institutions cited the need to preserve security, physical integrity, and the well-being of academic communities amid rising political tensions ahead of the presidential election.

At Mackenzie, a demonstration in support of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential candidacy took place near the campus entrance. The event, organized by federal deputy-elect Lucas Pavanato, included chants directed at federal deputy Erika Hilton. Participants also expressed opposition to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

At PUC-Rio, the ban on political events was implemented to prevent clashes between opposing student groups, including supporters of Flávio Bolsonaro and the 'PUC-Rio Antifascista' collective. While campus activities were restricted, demonstrations continued in public spaces outside the university grounds.