In Rio de Janeiro a populist governor brought in a law obliging the main state university to reserve 40% of its places for blacks and half for graduates of state high schools (which, unlike state universities, are for common folk).

ECONOMIST: Race in Brazil

The governor hopes to use some of the stimulus money to make repairs in the state's university system.

NPR: Stimulus Bill Gives 'Shovel-Ready' Projects Priority

Politicians, like New Jersey governor Chris Christie and state senator Stephen Sweeney, are falling over themselves to for heads at the university to roll.

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