The Centro Universitário Aparício Carvalho (Fimca) in Porto Velho resumed classes on Tuesday, October 10, just three days after the tragic murder of Professor Juliana Santiago. The professor, aged 41, was fatally stabbed by a student inside the university premises, leading to a wave of shock within the academic community. In response to the incident, the institution declared an official mourning period on Saturday, October 7, to honor her memory. Fellow students and faculty came together on the following Monday to pay tribute to Santiago with prayers, music, and the release of white balloons, signifying their respect and remembrance for the educator.

Professor Julianna Santiago was not only a well-respected lecturer in Criminal Law but also served as a clerk for the Civil Police of Rondônia. The perpetrator of the crime, João Cândido Júnior, was identified as a 24-year-old student in his fifth semester of law. This tragic event has raised significant concerns about the safety of students and faculty within educational institutions in Brazil, highlighting ongoing issues related to violence in schools. As the university continues its operations, the institution faces the challenge of addressing community fears while upholding its commitment to educational excellence and support for its students and staff during this painful period.

The response from the university community underscores the profound impact that Professor Santiago had on her students and colleagues, illustrating the reverberations of this tragedy throughout the academic landscape in the region. As classes resume, the faculty is determined to carry forward her legacy in education, encouraging dialogue about safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future, and fostering a supportive environment in the wake of this devastating loss.