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| Union of Students of Brazil | |
|---|---|
| Name | Union of Students of Brazil |
| Native name | União Nacional dos Estudantes |
| Abbreviation | UNE |
| Formation | 1937 |
| Headquarters | Rio de Janeiro |
| Region served | Brazil |
| Membership | student unions |
| Leader title | President |
Union of Students of Brazil is a Brazilian student organization founded in 1937 that represents secondary and tertiary students across Brazil. It has interacted with figures and institutions such as Getúlio Vargas, Juscelino Kubitschek, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and Michel Temer while engaging with movements like the Diretas Já campaign and events such as the March of the Families with God for Liberty. The organization has appeared in political contexts involving institutions like the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, University of São Paulo, Ministry of Education (Brazil), and international bodies such as the European Students' Union and UNESCO.
The organization's origins in 1937 relate to mobilizations during the Estado Novo (Brazil) period and interactions with figures including Getúlio Vargas, Café Filho, Carlos Lacerda, Luiz Carlos Prestes, and the Brazilian Integralist Action, evolving through the postwar era with ties to the 1946 Brazilian Constitution debates and post-1950s campaigns aligned with leaders like Juscelino Kubitschek, João Goulart, and movements responding to the Military dictatorship in Brazil (1964–1985). In the 1960s and 1970s it faced repression under military institutions such as the National Reorganization Process and actors including Aureliano Chaves and Emílio Garrastazu Médici, with members impacted by cases associated with the AI-5 decree and trials involving the Brazilian Army and Federal Police (Brazil). During redemocratization the group engaged with the Diretas Já movement, cooperated with political entities like the Workers' Party (Brazil), Brazilian Democratic Movement, Social Democratic Party (Brazil, 1945–65), and supported campaigns related to the Constituent Assembly of 1987–1988. In the 21st century it intersected with administrations of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Dilma Rousseff, and contested policies under Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro while interacting with universities such as the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, and student movements including the June Journeys protests.
The entity is governed by a national congress that convenes delegates elected by local chapters at institutions like the University of Brasília, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and State University of Campinas, with executive boards involving positions analogous to the Ministry of Education (Brazil) portfolio and partnerships with civil society groups such as Central Única dos Trabalhadores and international networks like the International Union of Students. Committees address issues tied to campus affairs interacting with institutions including the National Student Assistance Program (PNAES), the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research (INEP), the Brazilian Bar Association, and research bodies like the Brazilian Center for Analysis and Planning. Leadership elections have featured figures connected to movements including Socialism and Liberty Party, Communist Party of Brazil, Brazilian Socialist Party, and associations with student federations such as the National Union of Students (Portugal).
Membership comprises federated student unions from state capitals and municipal centers, including unions at the University of São Paulo, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Federal University of Bahia, Federal University of Pernambuco, and private institutions like the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. Affiliates have historically included the Union of Students of Paraná, Union of Students of Minas Gerais, Union of Students of Rio Grande do Norte, and other state-level bodies that work with municipal councils and campus organizations tied to entities such as the National Confederation of Municipalities and labor organizations like Força Sindical. The structure facilitates coordination with federations such as the Latin American Students Organization and international partners including UNESCO and the Organization of American States.
The organization has led and participated in demonstrations, strikes, and policy campaigns addressing funding and access linked to programs like FIES (Student Financing Fund), ProUni, and the Higher Education Reform (Brazil), coordinating marches in Brasília and São Paulo and collaborating with activists associated with the Landless Workers' Movement, Black Movement (Brazil), and feminist groups connected to figures such as Marielle Franco. It organized national congresses, university occupations, and support for electoral campaigns aligned with parties like the Workers' Party (Brazil) and movements such as the Student Movement of 2015–2016. The group has engaged in international advocacy at forums including UNESCO World Conference events and exchanges with delegations from the European Students' Union and universities such as Harvard University and University of Oxford.
The body has lobbied ministers and legislators from parties including Workers' Party (Brazil), Brazilian Democratic Movement, Brazilian Social Democracy Party, and Social Liberal Party (Brazil) on legislation touching student finance and campus autonomy, engaging in hearings with members of the Chamber of Deputies (Brazil), the Federal Senate (Brazil), and interactions with presidents like Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff. It has shaped debates around policies implemented by agencies such as CAPES and MEC and contributed to public discourse via alliances with media outlets like Folha de S.Paulo, O Globo, and CartaCapital.
Funding historically combines member dues from affiliated unions at institutions including the University of São Paulo and external support from foundations and organizations such as Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, and occasional municipal grants from administrations in cities like São Paulo (city), Rio de Janeiro (city), and Belo Horizonte. Financial oversight has interfaced with regulatory bodies such as the Tribunal de Contas da União and tax institutions like the Receita Federal do Brasil while auditing has involved independent firms and university accounting offices.
The organization has faced criticism and controversies over alleged politicization, funding transparency, and internal disputes involving factions linked to parties such as the Communist Party of Brazil, Workers' Party (Brazil), and Socialism and Liberty Party, sparking debates reported by outlets including Estadão and Veja. Controversies have included clashes with security forces during protests connected to the June Journeys, accusations during military regime investigations involving the National Truth Commission (Brazil), and disputes over election procedures that drew attention from institutions like the Superior Electoral Court (Brazil) and the Federal Supreme Court (Brazil).
Category:Student organizations in Brazil