Joana Célia dos Passos has submitted her resignation from the position of vice-rector at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). In her resignation letter, published on October 18, she highlighted various challenges during her term, including political violence against women, management failures, and a budget crisis. She specifically criticized the current rector, Irineu Manoel de Souza, for his silence regarding the repeated attacks she faced from members of the university's administration, which she argues reflects a broader institutional culture that limits women's roles in leadership positions.

In her statement, dos Passos emphasized that the political violence she experienced was a significant aspect of her term, illustrating the broader issues of gender discrimination within the institution. She pointed out that attacks against her during university council sessions went unaddressed, highlighting a concerning trend of misogyny and a lack of support for female leaders. Her resignation comes at a pivotal time for UFSC, as the university grapples with financial constraints and administrative challenges that threaten its functioning and ability to support its community.

In response to dos Passos's resignation, Rector Irineu Manoel de Souza issued a statement rejecting the claims made by the vice-rector, clarifying that her departure was also connected to a request for her to take on a national secretarial role. This exchange raises questions about governance and support for women in leadership roles at UFSC, particularly as the university navigates both internal conflicts and external pressures during a challenging financial period. The implications of this resignation may resonate beyond the university, reflecting larger societal issues regarding women's representation and the treatment of female leaders in Brazil's academic institutions.