On the first day of classes at the University of Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil, a physical confrontation erupted between members of the Movimento Brasil Livre (MBL) and students. This altercation took place as the MBL attempted to paint over graffiti on the university's library wall, which is covered in artwork by the academic community. University officials condemned the actions of the MBL as both an invasion of the campus and an act of intimidation against students, signaling a significant escalation in tensions between different political factions within the university environment.

Ronaldo Almeida, the director of the Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences (IFCH) at Unicamp, described the MBL's actions as vandalism and confirmed that around eight members from outside the university were involved in the conflict. The students reacted to the MBL's plans to repaint the library wall, leading to a physical confrontation. This incident not only highlights the ongoing political divisions within Brazilian society but also raises questions about the security and autonomy of academic institutions amidst rising tensions between opposing political groups.

In a statement, the MBL justified their actions by claiming they were attempting to "restore" the wall as part of their environmental advocacy, arguing that they were acting within the bounds of the Law of Environmental Crimes. The group reported being attacked during the incident, indicating that both sides felt threatened. The university's designation of the event as an 'affront to democracy' underscores the increasing conflicts over artistic expression and political speech in educational settings throughout Brazil.