STF Ministers Propose Reevaluating Mandatory Journalism Degrees

Supreme Court (STF) ministers Flávio Dino and Alexandre de Moraes have suggested that the court reconsider the requirement of a journalism degree for the exercise of the profession. This proposal follows a 2009 STF decision that ruled the requirement unconstitutional, asserting that it violated freedom of expression and information. The current debate emerged after Minister Moraes authorized search and seizure warrants against sources of a journalist, Luís Pablo, who published reports regarding Minister Dino's alleged irregular use of official vehicles in Maranhão.

Minister Dino argued that the lack of a degree requirement is a complicating factor because it extends professional guarantees, such as the secrecy of sources, to bloggers who may have links to organized crime. Minister Moraes agreed, stating that social media allows individuals to claim they are journalists to offend others while shielding themselves with press freedom. He suggested a transition rule for those already practicing the profession and a new regulation to prevent criminal infiltration into disinformation networks.

Other members of the court have expressed caution or opposition. Minister Gilmar Mendes, who was the rapporteur for the 2009 decision, stated that the theme could be rediscuted if the quality of information is found to be compromised, but he explicitly noted that the debate should not be driven by the specific episodes involving Minister Dino. Reports indicate that Dino and Moraes remain isolated on this issue, as several colleagues believe revisiting a 17 year old thesis during a period of crisis would be precipitous.

Political figures have also weighed in. Presidential candidate Renan Santos stated he is against the mandatory diploma, arguing that many great journalists do not have one and that the current system is functioning. The debate has sparked significant criticism regarding the timing and intent of the proposal, particularly its relation to ongoing investigations and the protection of journalistic sources.