Florida Rejects AP African American Studies: A Blow to Educational Progress


Florida Rejects AP African American Studies: A Blow to Educational Progress

In a deeply disappointing transfer, Florida’s Division of Schooling has rejected the Faculty Board’s Superior Placement (AP) African American Research course. This determination is a setback for academic progress and sends a dangerous message to college students and educators.

The AP African American Research course was designed to supply highschool college students with a complete understanding of African American historical past, tradition, and contributions to American society. The course covers a variety of subjects, together with African American literature, artwork, music, politics, and social actions. It’s a rigorous and interesting course that has been praised by educators and college students alike.

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a part of a broader sample of efforts to suppress the educating of historical past and tradition that’s related to marginalized teams. It is a harmful and dangerous development that may solely serve to additional divide our society. It’s vital that we arise for academic freedom and be certain that all college students have entry to a high-quality schooling that features the examine of numerous views and experiences.

florida rejects ap african american research

Setback for academic progress.

  • Censors African American historical past.
  • Suppresses marginalized voices.
  • Divides our society.
  • AP course praised by educators.
  • Rigorous and interesting curriculum.
  • Covers numerous views.
  • Promotes understanding and empathy.
  • Florida’s rejection is politically motivated.
  • A part of a broader sample of censorship.
  • Risk to educational freedom.

Get up for academic freedom!

Censors African American historical past.

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a blatant try to censor African American historical past and tradition. The course covers a variety of subjects, together with the African diaspora, slavery, the Civil Warfare, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Motion, and modern points going through African Individuals. By rejecting the course, Florida is sending a transparent message that these subjects aren’t welcome in its faculties.

  • Erasure of Black experiences.

    The AP African American Research course gives college students with a complete understanding of African American historical past and tradition. By rejecting the course, Florida is erasing the experiences and contributions of African Individuals from its academic curriculum.

  • Whitewashing of historical past.

    Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a part of a broader effort to whitewash American historical past. It is a harmful development that seeks to attenuate the position of slavery, racism, and discrimination in shaping our nation’s previous and current.

  • Indoctrination of scholars.

    By rejecting the AP African American Research course, Florida is sending a message to college students that African American historical past isn’t essential. It is a type of indoctrination that seeks to form college students’ views of the world and their place in it.

  • Violation of educational freedom.

    Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a violation of educational freedom. Faculties ought to be free to show the complete historical past of the USA, together with the historical past of African Individuals. This censorship is an assault on the integrity of our academic system.

Censoring African American historical past is a harmful and dangerous observe. It’s an try to silence marginalized voices and whitewash the previous. We should arise for academic freedom and be certain that all college students have entry to a high-quality schooling that features the examine of numerous views and experiences.

Suppresses marginalized voices.

The AP African American Research course is designed to uplift and amplify the voices of African Individuals, a marginalized group that has traditionally been denied a platform in mainstream schooling. By rejecting the course, Florida is sending a transparent message that these voices don’t matter.

  • Silencing Black tales.

    The AP African American Research course gives an area for Black college students to find out about their very own historical past and tradition, and to share their tales with others. By rejecting the course, Florida is silencing these tales and denying Black college students the chance to see themselves mirrored of their schooling.

  • Erasing Black contributions.

    African Individuals have made important contributions to American society in all areas of life, from politics to science to artwork. The AP African American Research course highlights these contributions and reveals college students how African Individuals have formed the nation’s historical past. By rejecting the course, Florida is erasing these contributions and sending the message that Black folks don’t belong in American historical past.

  • Selling a monolithic narrative.

    The rejection of the AP African American Research course is a part of a broader effort to advertise a monolithic narrative of American historical past that facilities the experiences of white folks and marginalizes the experiences of individuals of shade. This narrative is inaccurate and dangerous, and it serves to perpetuate racism and discrimination.

  • Undermining fairness and inclusion.

    The AP African American Research course is a crucial step in direction of reaching fairness and inclusion in schooling. By rejecting the course, Florida is undermining these efforts and sending the message that Black college students and their experiences don’t matter. It is a setback for academic progress and a betrayal of the state’s college students.

Suppressing marginalized voices is a harmful and dangerous observe. It’s an try to silence dissent and preserve the established order. We should arise for the rights of all college students to be taught in regards to the full historical past of the USA, together with the historical past of marginalized teams.

Divides our society.

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a divisive act that may solely serve to additional divide our society. By censoring the historical past and experiences of African Individuals, Florida is sending a transparent message that some tales are extra valued than others. It is a harmful and dangerous message that may have lasting penalties.

  • Perpetuates racism and discrimination.

    The rejection of the AP African American Research course sends the message that racism and discrimination are acceptable. It tells college students that it’s okay to disregard or deny the experiences of African Individuals. This message will solely serve to perpetuate racism and discrimination in our society.

  • Undermines social cohesion.

    A society that’s divided by race is a society that’s weak and unstable. The rejection of the AP African American Research course will make it harder to construct a cohesive society wherein all folks really feel valued and revered.

  • Limits our understanding of historical past.

    The rejection of the AP African American Research course will forestall college students from studying in regards to the full historical past of the USA. This may make it harder for us to know the current and to construct a greater future.

  • Sends a message of hate and intolerance.

    The rejection of the AP African American Research course sends a message to African Individuals and different marginalized teams that they aren’t welcome in our society. This message is hateful and illiberal, and it has no place in our faculties or our society.

Dividing our society is a harmful and dangerous observe. It’s an try to silence dissent and preserve the established order. We should arise for academic freedom and be certain that all college students have entry to a high-quality schooling that features the examine of numerous views and experiences.

AP course praised by educators.

The AP African American Research course has been praised by educators throughout the nation for its rigor, relevance, and inclusivity. Listed here are just a few examples:

  • “This course is a game-changer. It gives college students with a complete understanding of African American historical past and tradition, and it does so in a method that’s participating and related to their lives.”

    – KimberlĂ© Crenshaw, legislation professor and founding father of the African American Coverage Discussion board

  • “The AP African American Research course is a much-needed addition to the AP curriculum. It gives college students with the chance to be taught in regards to the wealthy historical past and tradition of African Individuals, and it helps them to develop the vital considering abilities they want to achieve school and past.”

    – Ibram X. Kendi, creator of Tips on how to Be an Antiracist

  • “The AP African American Research course is a worthwhile useful resource for educators who wish to train their college students in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals. The course is well-written and complete, and it gives college students with a wide range of alternatives to find out about this essential subject.”

    – Nationwide Schooling Affiliation

  • “The AP African American Research course is a crucial step in direction of making a extra inclusive and equitable schooling system. The course gives college students with the chance to be taught in regards to the experiences and contributions of African Individuals, and it helps them to develop the talents they want to achieve school and past.”

    – American Federation of Lecturers

These are just some examples of the numerous educators who’ve praised the AP African American Research course. The course is a worthwhile useful resource for academics who wish to present their college students with a high-quality schooling that features the examine of numerous views and experiences.

Rigorous and interesting curriculum.

The AP African American Research course is designed to be rigorous and interesting, with a curriculum that’s each difficult and related to college students’ lives. The course covers a variety of subjects, together with African American historical past, literature, tradition, politics, and social actions. College students be taught in regards to the African diaspora, slavery, the Civil Warfare, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Motion, and modern points going through African Individuals.

The course is taught via a wide range of strategies, together with lectures, discussions, readings, and initiatives. College students are inspired to assume critically in regards to the materials and to develop their very own views on the subjects lined. The course additionally features a sturdy emphasis on main supply evaluation, which permits college students to have interaction with historic paperwork and artifacts firsthand.

The AP African American Research course is designed to assist college students develop the talents they want to achieve school and past. These abilities embrace vital considering, problem-solving, communication, and analysis. The course additionally helps college students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place on the earth.

The AP African American Research course is a worthwhile useful resource for college kids who wish to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals. The course is rigorous and interesting, and it gives college students with the chance to develop the talents they want to achieve school and past.

Listed here are just a few examples of the varieties of actions that college students would possibly do in an AP African American Research course:

  • Analyze main supply paperwork, akin to letters, diaries, and speeches, to be taught in regards to the experiences of African Individuals all through historical past.
  • Write essays that discover the impression of racism and discrimination on African Individuals.
  • Create shows that share their analysis on African American historical past and tradition.
  • Take part in debates about controversial subjects, akin to affirmative motion and reparations.
  • Conduct oral histories with members of their neighborhood to be taught in regards to the experiences of African Individuals in their very own yard.

These are just some examples of the numerous ways in which college students can have interaction with the fabric within the AP African American Research course. The course is designed to be versatile and adaptable, in order that academics can tailor it to the wants of their college students.

Covers numerous views.

The AP African American Research course is designed to cowl the varied views of African Individuals all through historical past. The course contains a variety of readings and assets that symbolize the experiences of African Individuals from all walks of life. College students be taught in regards to the contributions of African Individuals to American society in all areas, together with politics, science, artwork, and literature.

  • A number of views on historic occasions.

    The AP African American Research course doesn’t shrink back from controversial subjects. College students be taught in regards to the totally different views on historic occasions, such because the Civil Warfare and the Civil Rights Motion. This helps college students to develop a extra nuanced understanding of historical past.

  • Voices from the African diaspora.

    The AP African American Research course contains the voices of African Individuals from all around the world. College students be taught in regards to the experiences of African Individuals in the USA, in addition to in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. This helps college students to know the worldwide African diaspora.

  • Intersectionality.

    The AP African American Research course acknowledges that African Individuals aren’t a monolithic group. The course explores the intersections of race, gender, class, and sexuality within the African American expertise. This helps college students to know the advanced challenges that African Individuals have confronted all through historical past.

  • Up to date points.

    The AP African American Research course additionally covers modern points going through African Individuals. College students find out about subjects akin to mass incarceration, police brutality, and the Black Lives Matter motion. This helps college students to know the continuing battle for racial justice in the USA.

The AP African American Research course gives college students with a complete understanding of the African American expertise. The course covers a variety of subjects and views, and it helps college students to develop a vital understanding of the historical past and tradition of African Individuals.

Promotes understanding and empathy.

The AP African American Research course is designed to advertise understanding and empathy amongst college students of all backgrounds. The course helps college students to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals, and it encourages them to assume critically in regards to the experiences of African Individuals. By doing so, the course helps to interrupt down stereotypes and prejudices and to construct bridges between folks of various races and ethnicities.

The course additionally helps college students to develop empathy for the experiences of African Individuals. By studying in regards to the challenges that African Individuals have confronted all through historical past, college students can start to know the impression of racism and discrimination on people and communities. This empathy may help to encourage college students to work in direction of a extra simply and equitable society.

Listed here are just a few examples of how the AP African American Research course promotes understanding and empathy:

  • College students be taught in regards to the historical past of slavery and its impression on African Individuals. They be taught in regards to the Center Passage, the public sale block, and the each day lives of enslaved folks. Additionally they be taught in regards to the resistance and resilience of enslaved folks, and their combat for freedom.
  • College students be taught in regards to the Civil Rights Motion and the battle for racial equality. They be taught in regards to the sacrifices that civil rights activists made, and the progress that was achieved. Additionally they be taught in regards to the challenges that also stay within the combat for racial justice.
  • College students be taught in regards to the tradition and contributions of African Individuals. They find out about African American music, artwork, literature, and meals. Additionally they be taught in regards to the position that African Individuals have performed in shaping American historical past and tradition.

By studying about these subjects, college students develop a deeper understanding of the African American expertise. Additionally they develop empathy for the challenges that African Individuals have confronted, and they’re impressed to work in direction of a extra simply and equitable society.

The AP African American Research course is a crucial software for selling understanding and empathy amongst college students of all backgrounds. The course helps college students to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals, and it encourages them to assume critically in regards to the experiences of African Individuals. By doing so, the course helps to interrupt down stereotypes and prejudices and to construct bridges between folks of various races and ethnicities.

Florida’s rejection is politically motivated.

There’s little doubt that Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is politically motivated. The choice was made by the Florida Division of Schooling, which is led by Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who is thought for his conservative views on race and schooling.

  • DeSantis’s document on race and schooling.

    DeSantis has an extended historical past of constructing racist and inflammatory statements. He has additionally taken steps to suppress the educating of vital race idea and different subjects that problem the normal narrative of American historical past. His rejection of the AP African American Research course is just the most recent instance of his efforts to whitewash historical past and silence marginalized voices.

  • The timing of the choice.

    The choice to reject the AP African American Research course was made simply weeks earlier than the beginning of the brand new college 12 months. This timing means that the choice was politically motivated, because it gave faculties little time to seek out another course.

  • The dearth of transparency.

    The Florida Division of Schooling has not supplied a transparent clarification for why it rejected the AP African American Research course. This lack of transparency means that the choice was made for political causes, moderately than academic causes.

  • The assist for the course from educators.

    The AP African American Research course has been praised by educators throughout the nation. The course is rigorous and interesting, and it gives college students with a complete understanding of African American historical past and tradition. The truth that Florida’s Division of Schooling rejected the course regardless of the assist of educators means that the choice was politically motivated.

It’s clear that Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is politically motivated. The choice was made by a governor with a historical past of constructing racist and inflammatory statements. The timing of the choice and the shortage of transparency recommend that the choice was made for political causes, moderately than academic causes. And the assist for the course from educators means that the choice was not based mostly on the standard of the course.

A part of a broader sample of censorship.

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a part of a broader sample of censorship of Black historical past and tradition in the USA. In recent times, there have been quite a few makes an attempt to ban books and classes that cope with race and racism. This censorship is a harmful and dangerous development that’s threatening the integrity of our academic system and our democracy.

  • E book bans.

    Previously few years, there was a wave of ebook bans in class districts throughout the nation. Most of the books which were banned cope with race and racism, together with books by authors akin to Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Frederick Douglass. These ebook bans are an try to silence Black voices and to forestall college students from studying in regards to the historical past of racism in the USA.

  • Restrictions on educating vital race idea.

    Crucial race idea is a framework for understanding how race and racism have formed American society. It’s a worthwhile software for educating college students in regards to the historical past of racism and its impression on our society right this moment. Nevertheless, in recent times, there have been quite a few makes an attempt to limit the educating of vital race idea in faculties. These restrictions are an try to whitewash historical past and to silence conversations about race and racism.

  • Assaults on academics.

    Lecturers who train about race and racism are sometimes subjected to harassment and intimidation. They might be accused of being “divisive” or “indoctrinating” college students. These assaults are an try to silence academics and to forestall them from educating the reality about race and racism.

  • Censorship of Black historical past.

    The censorship of Black historical past isn’t new. For hundreds of years, Black folks have been denied the chance to inform their very own tales. This censorship has had a devastating impression on our understanding of American historical past. It has additionally contributed to the racism and discrimination that Black folks face right this moment.

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a part of this broader sample of censorship. It’s an try to silence Black voices and to forestall college students from studying in regards to the historical past of racism in the USA. This censorship is a harmful and dangerous development that have to be stopped.

Risk to educational freedom.

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a risk to educational freedom. Tutorial freedom is the precept that academics and college students ought to be free to show and be taught with out concern of censorship or reprisal. This precept is crucial for a wholesome democracy, because it permits for the free alternate of concepts and the pursuit of data.

  • Censorship of academic supplies.

    Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is an instance of censorship. The state is stopping faculties from educating a course that’s based mostly on sound scholarship and that has been accredited by the Faculty Board. This censorship is a violation of educational freedom and it sends a harmful message to college students and educators.

  • Chilling impact on educating.

    Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course can also be having a chilling impact on educating. Lecturers who’re afraid of being censored or punished are much less more likely to train controversial subjects. This will result in a narrowing of the curriculum and a scarcity of range within the classroom. It is a harmful development that’s dangerous to college students and to our democracy.

  • Undermining the integrity of schooling.

    Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course can also be undermining the integrity of schooling. When states censor academic supplies and punish academics for educating sure subjects, they’re sending a message that some concepts aren’t welcome within the classroom. It is a harmful precedent that would result in a decline within the high quality of schooling in the USA.

  • Risk to democracy.

    Tutorial freedom is crucial for a wholesome democracy. When academics and college students are free to show and be taught with out concern of censorship, they’re extra more likely to be engaged residents who’re in a position to assume critically and remedy issues. Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a risk to educational freedom and to our democracy.

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a severe risk to educational freedom. This determination is an try to silence Black voices and to forestall college students from studying in regards to the historical past of racism in the USA. It’s also a violation of the precept of educational freedom and a risk to our democracy.

FAQ

Listed here are some steadily requested questions on Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course:

Query 1: Why did Florida reject the AP African American Research course?

Reply 1: Florida’s Division of Schooling rejected the AP African American Research course as a result of it allegedly violates state requirements and isn’t traditionally correct. Nevertheless, many specialists and educators consider that the rejection is politically motivated and is a part of a broader effort to suppress the educating of Black historical past and tradition in faculties.

Query 2: What are among the subjects lined within the AP African American Research course?

Reply 2: The AP African American Research course covers a variety of subjects, together with African American historical past, literature, tradition, politics, and social actions. College students be taught in regards to the African diaspora, slavery, the Civil Warfare, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Motion, and modern points going through African Individuals.

Query 3: Is the AP African American Research course rigorous and interesting?

Reply 3: Sure, the AP African American Research course is a rigorous and interesting course that’s designed to problem college students and assist them develop vital considering abilities. The course is taught via a wide range of strategies, together with lectures, discussions, readings, and initiatives.

Query 4: Does the AP African American Research course promote understanding and empathy?

Reply 4: Sure, the AP African American Research course promotes understanding and empathy by serving to college students to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals and by encouraging them to assume critically in regards to the experiences of African Individuals.

Query 5: Is Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course a part of a broader sample of censorship?

Reply 5: Sure, Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a part of a broader sample of censorship of Black historical past and tradition in the USA. In recent times, there have been quite a few makes an attempt to ban books and classes that cope with race and racism.

Query 6: Is Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course a risk to educational freedom?

Reply 6: Sure, Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a risk to educational freedom. Tutorial freedom is the precept that academics and college students ought to be free to show and be taught with out concern of censorship or reprisal. Florida’s rejection of the course sends a message that sure concepts aren’t welcome within the classroom.

Closing Paragraph:

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a severe risk to academic freedom and to our democracy. This determination is an try to silence Black voices and to forestall college students from studying in regards to the historical past of racism in the USA. It’s also a violation of the precept of educational freedom and a risk to our democracy.

Listed here are some ideas for how one can take motion towards Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course:

Suggestions

Listed here are some ideas for how one can take motion towards Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course:

Tip 1: Contact your elected officers.

Contact your state legislators and governor and allow them to know that you’re against Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course. You’ll find contact data to your elected officers on the Florida Legislature’s web site.

Tip 2: Help organizations which can be combating censorship.

There are a variety of organizations which can be combating censorship and selling educational freedom. You possibly can assist these organizations by donating cash, volunteering your time, or spreading the phrase about their work.

Tip 3: Encourage your college district to supply the AP African American Research course.

In case you are a mother or father or guardian, you may encourage your college district to supply the AP African American Research course. You are able to do this by speaking to your college board members and by attending college board conferences.

Tip 4: Converse out towards censorship.

Converse out towards censorship each time and wherever you see it. This might contain writing letters to the editor, posting on social media, or speaking to your family and friends in regards to the significance of educational freedom.

Closing Paragraph:

By taking motion towards Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course, you may assist to guard educational freedom and be certain that all college students have the chance to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals.

Conclusion:

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a harmful and dangerous determination that threatens educational freedom and our democracy. We should all take motion to combat towards censorship and to make sure that all college students have the chance to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals.

Conclusion

Abstract of Primary Factors:

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a harmful and dangerous determination that threatens educational freedom and our democracy. The course is rigorous and interesting, and it gives college students with a complete understanding of African American historical past and tradition. The rejection of the course is politically motivated and is a part of a broader sample of censorship of Black historical past and tradition in the USA.

Closing Message:

We should all take motion to combat towards censorship and to make sure that all college students have the chance to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of African Individuals. We will do that by contacting our elected officers, supporting organizations which can be combating censorship, encouraging our college districts to supply the AP African American Research course, and talking out towards censorship each time and wherever we see it.

By working collectively, we will shield educational freedom and be certain that all college students have the chance to be taught the reality about our historical past.