AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS IN THE ACCESS TO BASIC EDUCATION: A LOOK AT THE COLÉGIO PEDRO II

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the Quotas Law (Law 12.711/12) and other affirmative actions implemented by Colégio Pedro II (CPII) and their contributions to the expansion of educational opportunities. We seek to answer two main questions: what were the affirmative actions adopted in its selective admission processes over time? And, what changes are perceived in the socio-demographic profile of the entrants, especially after the Quotas Law? The study is exploratory and documental, with descriptive analyses based on secondary data obtained from CPII's website and from the School Census microdata. We took as reference three cohorts of entrants in the 6th grade of elementary school and in the 1st grade of regular and integrated high school, in the years 2012, 2014, and 2016. The main results show that, since 2005, CPII has adopted an affirmative action policy for student enrollment with the reservation of 50% of vacancies for public school graduates. As of 2013, the Quotas Law was implemented in integrated and regular high school, adding to the already existing public school criteria, the criteria of income, race/color, and person with disabilities. The analysis of the socio-demographic profile of students reinforces the contribution of CPII's affirmative action policies and the Quotas Law in expanding access opportunities, especially for black students.