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Backlash grows after DeSantis rejects AP course on African American studies class

Florida’s governor has opened up a hornet’s nest with his decision to prohibit an AP high school course on African American studies.

If Gov. DeSantis has his way, Black students would not know what this picture is all about. President Bill Clinton greets a survivor of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study on African-American men. Credit - Sharon Farmer White House Photograph Office. Public Domain
If Gov. DeSantis has his way, Black students would not know what this picture is all about. President Bill Clinton greets a survivor of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study on African-American men. Credit - Sharon Farmer White House Photograph Office. Public Domain

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis opened up a hornet’s nest with his decision to prohibit an AP high school course on African American studies.

Several Florida students say they plan to sue the state and Gov. Ron DeSantis over the state’s rejection of the Advanced Placement African American studies course in state schools.

“If he does not negotiate with the College Board to allow AP African American studies to be taught in classrooms across the state of Florida, then these three young people will be the lead plaintiffs,” said civil rights attorney Ben Crump at a Wednesday press conference, according to ABC News.

Attiorney Crump noted that a federal judge found a 2010 law in Arizona that banned a Mexican American studies program from Tucson schools unconstitutional and officials “motivated by racial animus.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. discussed the issue publicly for the first time at a news conference Monday. The two of them concluded that the course is a Trojan horse for “indoctrinating” students with a left-wing ideology under the guise of teaching about the Black experience and African American history.

The Florida Department of Education contends that the class is “inexplicably contrary to Florida law.” A new education law championed by DeSantis requires lessons on race to be taught in “an objective manner” and “not used to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view.” Some education advocates and teachers say the law is so broadly framed that it is having a chilling effect on the teaching of Black history.

In a statement last week, the College Board said the course was “undergoing a rigorous, multi-year pilot phase, collecting feedback from teachers, students, scholars and policymakers.”

For those who are interested in the curriculum that Florida has rejected, NBC News has published the whole 29 page AP® African American Studies curriculum.

Last year, DeSantis signed the “Stop WOKE” Act into law, restricting race-related conversations and instruction in workplaces, schools and colleges. The law includes a ban on teaching or business practices that contend members of one ethnic group are inherently racist and should feel guilt for past actions committed by others. A federal judge in Florida issued a temporary injunction in November against the act’s implementation in higher education, which is still being battled in court.

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We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.

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