The school year in São Paulo began this month with the implementation of a civic-military model in one hundred state schools, a controversial initiative introduced by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas in response to pressures from Bolsonaro-era ideologies. This program, seen as both costly and lacking in technical support, has ignited a debate over its implications on students' rights. On Thursday, February 12th, São Paulo's judiciary intervened, suspending certain rules associated with the model that dictated strict haircuts and uniform requirements, arguing that they posed a risk of discrimination against students.

The court's ruling allowed military police to remain present in the schools but restricted their role to supporting school safety and fostering respect and a culture of peace. The controversial guidelines imposed by the civic-military model prohibited male students from wearing certain hairstyles such as mohawks or having facial hair, while female students were required to keep their hair tied back and free of accessories. The judicial authority emphasized that these rules could indirectly suppress expressions tied to personal aesthetics and identity, raising questions about inclusivity and freedom of expression in educational environments.

As this model is rolled out, it may be important to monitor the outcomes and feedback from both students and parents, as well as the broader implications for educational policies in Brazil. This situation also highlights a conflict between traditional educational values and newer, more stringent state-imposed regulations, which could have lasting effects on student identity and rights within the classroom and beyond.