Discriminação racial na educação superior e os desafios para a administração pública: o caso do Cefet / RJ, Campus Nova Friburgo

Abstract

Aim of the research: Analyze the actions and expressions of racial discrimination and the policies and practices used to combat it, according to the perception of undergraduate students at Cefet/RJ, Nova Friburgo Campus. The study involved a review of the literature in order to retrieve understandings of race and racism, forms of racial discrimination, racism in public administration and in higher public education. In addition, the study sought to identify points for improvement in institutional procedures and practices, in the light of the participants' contributions. Theoretical framework: the theoretical perspective adopted is part of the “Public administration and organizations” line of research, contributing to the analysis of institutional practices adopted, assessing possibilities for improvement in the field of public administration. In addition, it adopts an interdisciplinary perspective by promoting the debate on racism in public institutions, understanding that racism is structural and reproduced through institutions. In this way, the topic under debate can encourage the implementation of administrative practices that combat racism and its expressions. Methodology: This is a descriptive study, predominantly in qualitative nature, using a literature review and documentary research. To collect data in the field, we used a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with undergraduate students at the Nova Friburgo Campus of Cefet / RJ with the aim of deepening our understanding of the subject, considering the perspective brought by this public. Results: The research identified, through the elements brought by the participants, that investments are needed in the construction and structuring of internal policies and practices to deal with situations of racial discrimination, such as the construction of protocols and service flows, with articulation and integration of sectors responsible for handling the cases. Originality/relevance: Racism is one of the biggest human rights’ violations. Thus, addressing the issue within the scope of public administration can represent a strategy to address institutional racism, giving centrality to the responsibility of institutions in addressing and placing the issue on the agenda, envisioning its overcoming, so that this need makes the issue original and relevant within public administration. Practical contributions (impact): Through the students' contributions and based on documentary research that sought to identify good practices, it was possible to propose a draft organizational policy, presented by means of a conclusive technical report. The proposal is capable of contributing to internal discussions, representing a starting point for addressing the issue, reflecting on the need to structure objectives and actions capable of tackling the demand institutionally.