The American Anthropological Association energetically repudiates the raids on at least 17 Brazilian public universities by federal and military police and election authorities in recent days, in the lead-up to the country’s presidential election. Police confiscated banners and manifestos denouncing fascism, even though these did not mention either of the presidential candidates in the run-off election and did not, therefore, violate Brazilian laws against electioneering in public spaces. The police also engaged in other acts of intimidation, interrogating professors, seizing computers, and bursting into classrooms while classes were in session.
The American Anthropological Association expresses its solidarity with Brazilian university community. The AAA is deeply concerned that these raids undermine university autonomy, which is enshrined in Brazilian law, and that they constitute a clear threat to academic freedom and democracy.
