The current study focuses on the adoption of affirmative action policies by the public sector higher education system in Brazil, more specifically by the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). The overall purpose of the research was to analyse the UERJ experience of introducing affirmative action in 2003 by means of a quota system, taking into consideration its genesis, characteristics, implementation and initial results. The study aimed in particular at investigating the experience within the boundaries of a highly prestigious academic space in this University - the Law School - focusing on the stance adopted by the faculty with regard tothe experience already being implemented in their classrooms. We have opted for a qualitative approach in our research. To this end, a review of the literature on the topic of affirmative action, a survey of University official documents and statistical data as well as semi-structured interviews with Law School faculty members were carried out. The 2003 experience proved the political and academic viability of a more democratic access to courses of higher social status. However, the issue of the permanence of quota students in a context where University resources are insufficient has generated tensions and challenges that both the UERJ and the wider communities will inevitably have to meet.