Article "Letter to the future governor of São Paulo" transcribed from the Tendências e Debates column, from Jornal Folha de São Paulo, prepared by the rectors Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Junior (USP), Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles (Unicamp) and Pasqual Barretti (Unesp)
Society recognizes that São Paulo state public universities are an essential asset for São Paulo and for Brazil. Generations of São Paulo and Brazilians know that USP, Unesp and Unicamp make the difference between progress and backwardness, between wealth and poverty, between knowledge and ignorance.
As we approach the second round of decisive elections for the history of the state, our three universities go public to request that the two candidates for government, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) and Fernando Haddad (PT), establish a commitment with them to its defense, maintenance and support. The greatness achieved over decades must be maintained and expanded.
Investments in teaching, research and science ensured, for our state and for Brazil, solutions of enormous scope in several areas, from agriculture to engineering, from architecture to law. When we think of health, for example, the public university and associated organizations, such as the Butantan Institute, ensure standards of excellence in service and innovation. The importance of our hospitals as research and advanced treatment centers is undeniable.
Our academic activity is internationally recognized. We graduate annually 16.600 undergraduate and 12.500 graduate students. We have a preponderant role in the formation of research and postgraduate centers and the Brazilian intelligentsia.
We generate wealth through our research, most of which is supported by FAPESP (São Paulo State Research Support Foundation). Of the US$ 10 billion invested in startups in Brazil over the last ten years, more than US$ 5 billion supported ventures by graduates of São Paulo state universities. We have collaborated strongly with the economic growth of São Paulo, taking as an example the scientific partnership to increase, with environmental responsibility, the national agricultural production.
Therefore, as government candidates value projects that improve the population's life, they must make it clear that they also value USP, Unesp and Unicamp. Therefore, we propose two commitments to them.
Firstly, with funding from our three institutions, based on the procedures adopted with success since 1989. Our budgets come from a fixed installment of ICMS (9,57%). We have academic and financial autonomy, which is directly related to our prominent position in international rankings. If there is tax reform in the country, a similar formula should be adopted.
The second is the commitment to the autonomy of university management. Universities need academic freedom to thrive. More than an efficient method, autonomy imposes itself as a rational assumption for the generation of knowledge.
We must improve our activities in the coming years and, for this, the interaction with the state government is fundamental. We need to jointly build quality public policies, expanding entrepreneurship and innovation with companies and the public sector, and collaborating in planning the state's sustainable development.
Democratic governments are distinguished by the respect they give to critical thinking, the arts and scientific research for the benefit of the joy and inventiveness of their people. Our universities have earned that respect. They are increasingly plural and welcoming spaces that build social justice, combat racism, reduce inequality and foster peace. They are antidotes against violence and prejudice and live up to the commitments suggested for candidates for governor of São Paulo.
Without USP, Unesp and Unicamp, São Paulo would not be what it is today. Without the support of all three, our future would be darker than our present. We call on the future ruler to interact with universities with wisdom, dialogue and public spirit. The state of São Paulo knows it can count on us.
