In the United States there are over 25,000 high schools. Out of those 25,000 only 60 will be offering the pilot of AP African American studies as a class. Many states, including Florida, have declared that they would not allow the course.
The decision in Florida came after a leaked draft of the curriculum came out, causing Governor Desantis to sign the bill that would ban the course from being taught in Florida schools. The state announced it was because of the teaching of intersectionality in the course, which is a foundation to Critical Race Theory. Florida's Education Commissioner stated that “We do not accept woke indoctrination masquerading as education”
(NYT). State education officials also claimed that the course was historically inaccurate. Though Florida is not new to banning education related bills; Desants signed acts that have restricted race-related issues being taught in school as well as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Since the Bill has been passed, the College Board has decided to change some of the curriculum. They removed many Black authors/scholars that are associated with Critical Race Theory, Black feminism and the queer experience. They also removed political topics such as
Black Lives Matter.
When the bill first passed, many students protested against the decision. Some Florida students and civil right attorneys even advocate for a lawsuit to be filed. Currently, some students in Texas are now having to fear that the course will end up banned in their state as well.
Florida’s decision to ban the course, could lead to a possible domino effect causing other states to further stricten their rules around the teaching of Critical Race Theory, and other topics closely related to Black history. Students in America shouldn’t have to fear that their
education is being jeopardized by politics, especially if it is based around an optional course. States overall shouldn’t be allowed to pick and choose what they want their students to learn. It's their right to know the history of the country, and especially the history of their culture.
With only 60 out of 25,000 high schools in the US offering the pilot of the new course, education officials must ask themselves why students should be restricted from learning about the history of their ancestors, as well as the history of their country. No student should have to fear that they are missing out on a piece of their education because of the choices of elected officials. Especially when most students aren’t able to vote on the choices that are being made for them.
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Cover photo courtesy of Daniel A. Varela
Gabbie Munoz is a staff writer and Editor-in-Chief for The Lion's Roar. You can learn more about the writer by clicking here.
As Governor of Florida, I firmly believe in the importance of providing our students with a well-rounded and accurate education that fosters critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of our nation's history. The concerns raised about the Advanced Placement African American studies course are not rooted in a desire to suppress information, but rather to ensure that our students receive an education free from ideological biases and inaccuracies.
The decision to withhold the pilot of the AP African American studies course was made after careful consideration of the curriculum content. Our state education officials raised valid concerns about the inclusion of concepts like intersectionality, which is closely tied to Critical Race Theory. While it's essential to teach history and perspectives…