A law project aimed at prohibiting quotas in universities in the state of Paraná is currently under review by the state’s Legislative Assembly. The proposal, which was submitted to the Committee on Constitution and Justice earlier this week, merges three distinct proposals that tackle the same issue. The oldest of these proposals was introduced in November 2024 by deputies Ricardo Arruda, Tito Barichello, and Gilson de Souza, and it seeks to eliminate not only racial and socioeconomic quotas but also any reservations for transgender, intersex, and non-binary candidates in public universities.

This legislative initiative is part of a broader ongoing debate in Brazil regarding affirmative action and social inclusion in higher education. The measure proposes that higher education institutions in Paraná should not implement quotas, reservations, or any alternative selection mechanisms for candidates, effectively restricting opportunities designed to support underrepresented groups. This contentious issue reflects a national divide on how best to achieve equity in education amidst differing opinions on the role of quotas in addressing historical inequalities.

As the bill progresses through the legislative stages, it is likely to provoke significant public discourse and mobilization from various civil society organizations, educational institutions, and affected communities. The outcome of this proposal could have far-reaching consequences for access to education in Paraná and potentially set a precedent for similar legislative efforts in other Brazilian states. This development underscores the importance of monitoring how policies surrounding affirmative action continue to evolve amid shifting political landscapes in Brazil.