For the first time, after 103 years of history, black professors have applied to assume the rectory of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The collective of black professors at UFRJ proposed the name of Vantuil Pereira for rector and Kátia Gualter for vice president.
Since it was created in 1920, the university has never had a black president.
Vantuil, who is dean of the Center for Philosophy and Human Sciences, told the CNN that the choice of a black rectory reflects the new face of UFRJ and, as it is one of the main public universities in the country, could inspire other institutions.
“The candidacy has a special meaning due to the context it emerges from and the set of forces it brings together. With regard to collectivity, it takes on an internal dimension, either because in 100 years our institution has never had a single black candidate, or because, in recent years, we have become more plural in composition. We have been saying that, after our candidacy, UFRJ will never be the same”, he said.
The runner-up, Kátia Gualter, is director of the School of Physical Education and Sports and holds a PhD in Performing Arts.
According to the collective of black professors at UFRJ, about 40% of all employees at the institution, which includes technicians and professors, are black. Still according to the collective, about half of the student body is poor, from outside Rio de Janeiro or black.
The internal consultation to choose the new rectory will take place on April 25th.
Source: CNN Brasil
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