TALAHASSEE – The administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has blocked the teaching of a new advanced placement course in African American studies in high schools, saying it violates state law and that it is historically inaccurate.
The state Department of Education rejected the program in a letter last week to the College Board, which oversees AP classes.
Florida education officials did not specify exactly what content the state found objectionable, but said, “As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and grossly lacking in educational value.”
“Going forward, if the College Board is willing to return to the table with lawful and historically accurate content, (the Department of Education) will always be willing to reopen the discussion,” the letter continues.
In a statement, the College Board said: “Like all new AP courses, AP African American Studies is undergoing a rigorous, multi-year pilot phase, gathering feedback from teachers, students, scholars and policymakers. .”
“The process of piloting and revising course frameworks is an integral part of any new AP course, and frameworks often change significantly as a result,” the statement said.
The College Board website describes the course as interdisciplinary, touching on literature, arts, humanities, political science, geography, and science. The pilot program is starting in 60 schools across the country before expanding to other schools.
DeSantis, a potential 2024 GOP presidential candidate, has challenged what he calls liberal ideologies in schools, including lessons on critical race theory, which examines systemic racism and has become a frequent target of conservatives.
Last year, the governor signed legislation dubbed the Stop WOKE Act that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in schools and businesses. The law prohibits instructions that members of one race are inherently racist or should feel guilty for past actions committed by others of the same race, among other things.
More recently, the governor’s budget office called on state colleges to submit information on program spending related to diversity, equity and inclusion and critical race theory, raising concerns. concerns about potential funding cuts around these initiatives.