Universities in Santa Catarina face investigations over misogyny and threats

Multiple higher education institutions in Santa Catarina, Brazil, are under investigation following reports of misogyny, sexual violence threats, and extremist symbols.

At the Regional University of Blumenau (Furb), a biology student received explicit anonymous messages threatening sexual violence and racial slurs. These threats appeared to be linked to an upcoming event regarding the military dictatorship. In response, the university doubled its campus security presence and moved the event to a different location.

Separate investigations are underway at the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina (IFSC) in Florianópolis and the Santa Catarina State University (Udesc) in Balneário Camboriú. At IFSC, authorities are investigating graffiti in campus bathrooms containing misogynistic phrases, Nazi references, and lists of female students allegedly categorized by their ‘deservingness’ of sexual violence. At Udesc, the Civil Police are investigating several students suspected of creating a list that classified female students based on criteria related to sexual violence.