UNIVASF faculty union condemns student intimidation at Petrolina campus

The faculty union of the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (SINDUNIVASF) has issued a formal note of repudiation following an incident at the Petrolina Centro campus. According to the union, a local councilman confronted students who were organizing a political demonstration on October 8, 2026.

Videos provided by students reportedly show the lawmaker questioning the protest and the use of signs, with the union alleging he attempted to intimidate students and prevent the activity from occurring. SINDUNIVASF stated that the councilman’s actions were an attempt to restrict freedom of expression and political organization within the university.

The union noted that the councilman’s justification—that political demonstrations are prohibited on university grounds—contradicts a 2020 ruling by the Supreme Federal Court (STF), which reaffirmed constitutional protection for the free manifestation of political ideas and opinions in university environments.