Schools need to comply with the 2003 law that requires the teaching of Afro culture, say experts interviewed by UOL. “The school needs to promote all of this actively and intentionally. Am I going to invite a medical professional? Why not call a black doctor?” asks lawyer Evie Barreto, one of the founders of the Equipe school’s anti-racist committee.
The objective of the legislation is that Afro education is offered throughout the school year. If the theme is used as a “mere festive prop”, the fight against racism remains distant in the school environment, says Adriana Moreira, coordinator of racial equity and education at Uneafro.
In the case of the actress’ daughter, Samara claims that the teenager was already excluded at school. “These attacks were subtle, everyday things, accusations of something, gossip with her name in another, exclusion from a group, little jokes about her arriving in a group and them running away”, reported the actress.
Colleges must understand that this case is not isolated. “Racist attacks gain ground as no action is taken,” says Adriana. For her, schools also make mistakes when they do not create a safe climate for black students.
Responsibility for anti-racist education does not just lie with schools. “We share education with the family. It is a co-responsibility with parents and society. And it is through education that these practices will be socially changed”, says Luciana Fevorini, director of the Equipe school.
Students also need positive role models. The strength of the image overpowers the word. Who does your child live with on an equal basis? Does he live with black people equally or only when black people are in a lower social position than him?
Thales Vieira, from the Whiteness Observatory
