Florida's Rejection of A.P. African American Studies Course: "A Whitewash of Critical Perspectives" or "Protecting Students from Political Indoctrination"

January 23, 2023

FLORIDA - As an education law firm, we are closely monitoring the recent decision by the Florida Department of Education to reject an Advanced Placement course in African American studies for high school students. The department has stated that the course includes elements that violate state laws restricting how race can be taught in the classroom.

Upon reviewing the curriculum developed by the College Board, it appears that the department takes issue with the inclusion of contemporary and politicized elements. Specifically, they have cited the inclusion of readings from major African American scholars, activists, and writers, who explore subjects such as Black queer studies, Black feminist literary thought, the reparations movement, and intersectionality.

Intersectionality, which examines how different forms of discrimination intersect and compound, is considered foundational to critical race theory by the state. They argue that it “ranks people based on their race, wealth, gender, and sexual orientation.”

Additionally, the department singled out certain activists, such as Angela Davis, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and bell hooks, for being “self-avowed Communist and Marxist” and for using language such as “white-supremacist capitalist patriarchy.”

As an education law firm, we believe in the importance of providing students with a well-rounded education that includes the study of African American history and the perspectives of African American scholars and activists. We believe that it is crucial for students to have access to diverse and inclusive curriculum that helps them to understand and appreciate the complexities of our society.

The Florida Department of Education's rejection of this A.P. course has been argued to be a whitewash of critical perspectives and important discussions on race. While the College Board's curriculum is still in its pilot phase and is subject to change, we will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the rights and well-being of all students.

Arguments for the Florida Department of Education's rejection of the A.P. African American Studies course:

1. The course includes elements that violate state laws restricting how race can be taught in the classroom. The inclusion of contemporary and politicized subjects such as Black queer studies, Black feminist literary thought, the reparations movement, and intersectionality could be seen as a violation of these laws.

2. The curriculum is seen as promoting "woke indoctrination" of students by teaching them to view the world through a particular political lens.

3. The inclusion of certain activists such as Angela Davis, Kimberlé Crenshaw and bell hooks, who are seen as "self-avowed Communist and Marxist" and for using language such as “white-supremacist capitalist patriarchy”, is seen as inappropriate.

4. Intersectionality is considered foundational to critical race theory, which ranks people based on their race, wealth, gender and sexual orientation and the state argues that this is not consistent with the values of the state.

5. The state argues that the course material is not age-appropriate and not relevant to the students' needs and development.

Arguments for including the A.P. African American Studies course:

1. The course provides students with a well-rounded education that includes the study of African American history and the perspectives of African American scholars and activists. This is crucial for students to understand and appreciate the complexities of our society.

2. The curriculum is designed to promote critical thinking and encourage students to question and challenge dominant narratives about race and inequality.

3. The inclusion of contemporary and politicized subjects such as Black queer studies, Black feminist literary thought, the reparations movement, and intersectionality is necessary to give students a complete and nuanced understanding of the African American experience.

4. The inclusion of readings from major African American scholars, activists, and writers is a valuable learning opportunity for students.

5. The curriculum is still in its pilot phase and is subject to change, and the course provides an opportunity for students to engage in important discussions and debates about race and inequality.

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We would like to know your thoughts on this issue. Do you agree with Florida's decision to reject the A.P. African American Studies course and feel as though they are protecting students? Or do you believe that this decision is a whitewash of critical perspectives and important discussions on race? Please share your thoughts in the comments below and let's have a constructive conversation on this matter.