In the US, the future of affirmative action hangs on a Supreme Court decision expected by summer 2023, in response to the latest legal challenge to the use of affirmative action in college admissions. In Brazil, where more than half the population identifies as Black, more aggressive affirmative action policies have reserved half of the seats in federal universities for low-income students and required that the representation of Black and Indigenous students match their share of the population in each state. These policies have weathered similar legal challenges, as well as attacks by the outgoing far-right presidential administration. However, the result of Brazil’s recent presidential election points to continued support for affirmative action policies in that country. This symposium will examine comparatively the impacts and possible futures of affirmative action policies that aim to counter the effects of historical and contemporary racism in the two countries. 

With support from a Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant, CLACS is collaborating with Leonora Paulafrom the College of Arts and Letters, and Terah Chambers and Sheneka Williams from the College of Education to organize this timely event. Look for additional information early in spring semester.