No caminho da máquina, a universidade

The coup of April 1, 1964 established an authoritarian regime in Brazil that lasted for 21 years and left an indelible mark on every aspect of life in the country. One such aspect was Brazilian higher education, which was deeply affected in terms of its organization, autonomy, and teaching and learning dynamics. Understanding the repercussions of the military dictatorship on universities can help illuminate their role in society and underscore the need for their protection. This text presents an interview with Doctor Heloísa M. Starling, a historian, political scientist, and professor in the Department of History at Federal University of Minas Gerais. In her discussion, she offers analysis of the coup and the regime it established — many of which have already been extensively addressed in her body of work — while also sharing her experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student and as a professor during that period. The text is not just a reflection on the past, but also an invitation to think critically about the present and the role of the university today in building a more just society and fostering a more democratic body of scientific knowledge.