Conservatism in Brazilian education

twenty years of the Escola “Sem Partido” movement and the reasons to “discelebrate”

Abstract

This text aims to discuss the history of the Escola “Sem Partido” movement and analyze its political-ideological links in the context of Brazil's recent history. Documents published on the movement's official channels are taken as a source, examining them in accordance with the postulate of historical-dialectic materialism. First, we explore the causes that led to its creation, in 2004, by Miguel Nagib. The influence exerted by similar organizations based abroad is observed, as well as their consolidation in alliance with the conservative and ultra-liberal segments that deposed Rousseff from the Presidency of the Republic. Next, the links between Escola “Sem Partido” and its leaders with religious groups, far-right politicians and institutions that promote neoliberal ideas are exposed. The intensification of judicial and legislative actions stands out, especially between 2015 and 2018, in order to implement the “Sem Partido” School project in national education. Finally, the content of the draft law, disseminated through the movement's channels, is compared with the legislation in force. It is argued that the claims of the aforementioned social movement lack legal support, proving to be unconstitutional. It concludes in defense of the freedom to teach and learn, noting the slowdown in the actions of Escola “Sem Partido” from 2020 onwards.