UEL was created in 1970, being recognized officially by Federal Ordinance 69.234/71. In 1987 'free teaching' was implemented at the Institution, and in 1991 it gained autonomy from the State. Since the 2005 admission exam, UEL adopted an official system of quotas for black students, as well as quotas for applicants originating from public schools, in order to attend to social and minority support policies. 