The first speaker, criminal lawyer Dr. Mariana Rodrigues, president of the Human Rights Committee of the OAB/BA – Feira de Santana subsection, presented the legal framework supporting the fight against racism and racial insults in Brazil, including the concept of “recreational racism,” which is widespread in society. Her presentation clarified the difference between the two crimes, their impact on the school environment, and how legislation considers them in light of the school-age audience. Dr. Mariana also emphasized the school’s role in reporting and preventing such acts, reinforcing that schools should be spaces of inclusion and promotion of equality.
Next, psychologist Vitória Carmo, who primarily serves black individuals, delivered a powerful and sensitive talk about the pain caused by racism in schools, drawing from her own experiences as a black child and young woman in both public and private education. She spoke about the emotional scars left by experiences of exclusion, stigmatization, and silencing, while also highlighting paths toward healing. Ending on a hopeful note, she suggested practical ways to protect oneself and resist racism, both within the school environment and in society at large.
Josy Sousa, a history teacher with a Masters degree in education, enriched the dialogue by addressing the multiple faces of racism in schools, with a focus on the folklorization of black culture and historical erasure. She emphasized the need for anti-racist literacy to involve the entire school community, and not just the teachers of human areas. In Professor Sousa’s view, fighting racism requires proactive engagement from all educators and administrators, regardless of their subject area.
The discussion panel was moderated by Professor Sônia Lima de Carvalho, representative of Mulieribus (Interdisciplinary Studies on Women and Gender Relations Center at UEFS), and featured lawyer Dr. Márcia Azevedo, who presented the valuable partnership with the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and reaffirmed the collective commitment to promoting anti-racist actions.
The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, with insightful and thought-provoking contributions from the audience. Questions addressed topics such as the objectification of the black female body, the legal understanding of racism and racial insult, and subjects like rape and sexual harassment—demonstrating participants’ interest and engagement in building a fairer and more welcoming school environment.
This event reaffirmed JRCLS’s commitment to promoting racial equity, valuing diversity, and strengthening an education rooted in human rights.