Religious diversity and secularism debates emerge in Brazilian schools

In Ponta Grossa, Paraná, the City Council has passed the first discussion of Bill 458/2025, which proposes using the Bible as a para-didactic resource in schools to support subjects such as History, Literature, and Philosophy. Proponents argue the measure aims to disseminate cultural and historical content without imposing religious practice. However, the bill faces opposition; the rapporteur argued against imposing specific works on schools, and the Brazilian Institute of Municipal Administration (Ibam) issued a technical opinion stating the project is unconstitutional as it violates the secular nature of the State.

Meanwhile, in Volta Redonda, the Municipal Education Secretariat conducted training for approximately 100 school directors focused on combating religious racism. The program, titled “Secularity, Terreiro, and the Right to Exist in School,” aims to protect students and staff of African-matrix religions from discrimination. The initiative included the distribution of Afro-Brazilian literature and was supported by organizations such as the Mojubá Commission and the Brazilian Bar Association to ensure religious freedom and ethnic-racial diversity within the school system.