STF judges action against the 'School Without Party' program law
The Supreme Federal Court (STF) of Brazil is reviewing a law from Santa Cruz de Monte Castelo aimed at eliminating political and ideological indoctrination in classrooms.
On Thursday, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) commenced the deliberation of a legal action regarding the 'School Without Party' program, a legislative initiative coming from the municipality of Santa Cruz de Monte Castelo in ParanΓ‘ (PR). The purpose of this law is to combat what is termed as 'political and ideological indoctrination' in educational settings, ensuring that mandatory curricula do not conflict with the religious or moral convictions of students and their families. This action has sparked significant debate regarding the role of education and potential biases within the curriculum.
The action was filed in 2019 by two prominent organizations: the National Confederation of Education Workers (CNTE) and the National Association of Jurists for the Human Rights of LGBTI individuals (Anajudh LGBTI). These organizations argue that the law infringes upon the Brazilian Constitution by undermining the federal government's authority to legislate on educational guidelines and frameworks. They also assert that it poses a threat to freedom of expression and thought, raising concerns about the implications such regulations have on the intellectual development of students and the overarching principles of democratic education.
The ongoing deliberation has broader implications for education policy in Brazil, as it reflects a contentious battle over the values that should inform educational curricula. Supporters of the law claim it safeguards the moral values of families, while opponents warn of censorship and the curtailing of diverse viewpoints in educational discourse. The decision made by the STF is anticipated to set a precedent for similar legislative efforts across the country and could significantly influence future educational policies.