University director sentenced for transphobia in Brazil

A federal court has sentenced Adripaulo Barros, an administrative director at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), to one year in prison for transphobia. The sentence allows for the defendant to remain free while serving the term.

The conviction stems from a 2022 incident involving a dispute over a transgender student, Odara Moraes, attempting to use the women's restroom at the institution. According to court records, Barros intervened by requesting documentation to justify the student's use of the space, citing concerns for the safety of female students.

The legal action was initiated by the Federal Public Ministry (MPF), which has stated it will not appeal the decision. While a cleaning staff member involved in the confrontation was also charged, she was acquitted by the court.