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 Training has rejected the School 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 offer 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 important that we arise for academic freedom and be certain that all college students have entry to a high-quality schooling that features the research of various 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 various 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 and censor African American historical past and tradition. The course covers a variety of subjects, together with the African diaspora, slavery, the Civil Conflict, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Motion, and modern points dealing with African People. By rejecting the course, Florida is sending a transparent message that these subjects are usually not welcome in its colleges.

  • 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 People 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 reduce the function 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 just isn’t vital. 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 must be free to show the complete historical past of the US, together with the historical past of African People. This censorship is an assault on the integrity of our instructional system.

Censoring African American historical past is a harmful and dangerous observe. It’s an try and 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 research of various views and experiences.

Suppresses marginalized voices.

The AP African American Research course is designed to uplift and amplify the voices of African People, 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 People have made vital 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 exhibits college students how African People 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 coloration. 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 the direction of attaining 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 and silence dissent and preserve the established order. We should arise for the rights of all college students to study concerning the full historical past of the US, 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 People, 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 People. 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 through which all folks really feel valued and revered.

  • Limits our understanding of historical past.

    The rejection of the AP African American Research course will stop college students from studying concerning the full historical past of the US. It will 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 People and different marginalized teams that they don’t seem to be welcome in our society. This message is hateful and illiberal, and it has no place in our colleges or our society.

Dividing our society is a harmful and dangerous observe. It’s an try and 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 research of various 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 manner 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 study concerning the wealthy historical past and tradition of African People, and it helps them to develop the important considering abilities they want to reach faculty and past.”

    – Ibram X. Kendi, writer of Find out how to Be an Antiracist

  • “The AP African American Research course is a beneficial useful resource for educators who wish to train their college students concerning the historical past and tradition of African People. The course is well-written and complete, and it gives college students with quite a lot of alternatives to find out about this vital subject.”

    – Nationwide Training Affiliation

  • “The AP African American Research course is a crucial step in the direction of making a extra inclusive and equitable schooling system. The course gives college students with the chance to study concerning the experiences and contributions of African People, and it helps them to develop the talents they want to reach faculty and past.”

    – American Federation of Academics

These are only a few examples of the numerous educators who’ve praised the AP African American Research course. The course is a beneficial useful resource for lecturers who wish to present their college students with a high-quality schooling that features the research of various 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 study concerning the African diaspora, slavery, the Civil Conflict, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Motion, and modern points dealing with African People.

The course is taught by quite a lot of strategies, together with lectures, discussions, readings, and tasks. College students are inspired to suppose critically concerning the materials and to develop their very own views on the subjects coated. The course additionally features a sturdy emphasis on major supply evaluation, which permits college students to interact with historic paperwork and artifacts firsthand.

The AP African American Research course is designed to assist college students develop the talents they want to reach faculty and past. These abilities embody important 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 beneficial useful resource for college kids who wish to study concerning the historical past and tradition of African People. The course is rigorous and interesting, and it gives college students with the chance to develop the talents they want to reach faculty and past.

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

  • Analyze major supply paperwork, equivalent to letters, diaries, and speeches, to study concerning the experiences of African People all through historical past.
  • Write essays that discover the affect of racism and discrimination on African People.
  • Create shows that share their analysis on African American historical past and tradition.
  • Take part in debates about controversial subjects, equivalent to affirmative motion and reparations.
  • Conduct oral histories with members of their group to study concerning the experiences of African People in their very own yard.

These are only a few examples of the numerous ways in which college students can interact with the fabric within the AP African American Research course. The course is designed to be versatile and adaptable, in order that lecturers can tailor it to the wants of their college students.

Covers various views.

The AP African American Research course is designed to cowl the various views of African People all through historical past. The course consists of a variety of readings and sources that signify the experiences of African People from all walks of life. College students study concerning the contributions of African People 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 study concerning the totally different views on historic occasions, such because the Civil Conflict 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 consists of the voices of African People from everywhere in the world. College students study concerning the experiences of African People in the US, 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 People are usually not 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 complicated challenges that African People have confronted all through historical past.

  • Up to date points.

    The AP African American Research course additionally covers modern points dealing with African People. College students find out about subjects equivalent 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 US.

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 important understanding of the historical past and tradition of African People.

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 study concerning the historical past and tradition of African People, and it encourages them to suppose critically concerning the experiences of African People. 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 People. By studying concerning the challenges that African People have confronted all through historical past, college students can start to know the affect of racism and discrimination on people and communities. This empathy may also help to inspire college students to work in the 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 study concerning the historical past of slavery and its affect on African People. They study concerning the Center Passage, the public sale block, and the day by day lives of enslaved folks. Additionally they study concerning the resistance and resilience of enslaved folks, and their battle for freedom.
  • College students study concerning the Civil Rights Motion and the battle for racial equality. They study concerning the sacrifices that civil rights activists made, and the progress that was achieved. Additionally they study concerning the challenges that also stay within the battle for racial justice.
  • College students study concerning the tradition and contributions of African People. They find out about African American music, artwork, literature, and meals. Additionally they study concerning the function that African People 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 People have confronted, and they’re impressed to work in the direction of a extra simply and equitable society.

The AP African American Research course is a crucial instrument for selling understanding and empathy amongst college students of all backgrounds. The course helps college students to study concerning the historical past and tradition of African People, and it encourages them to suppose critically concerning the experiences of African People. 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 Training, which is led by Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who is thought for his conservative views on race and schooling.

  • DeSantis’s report on race and schooling.

    DeSantis has a protracted historical past of constructing racist and inflammatory statements. He has additionally taken steps to suppress the educating of important race idea and different subjects that problem the normal narrative of American historical past. His rejection of the AP African American Research course is solely 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 colleges little time to search out an alternate course.

  • The shortage of transparency.

    The Florida Division of Training has not offered 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, quite than academic causes.

  • The help 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 Training rejected the course regardless of the help 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 counsel that the choice was made for political causes, quite than academic causes. And the help for the course from educators means that the choice was not primarily based 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 US. Lately, 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 instructional system and our democracy.

  • Guide bans.

    Previously few years, there was a wave of guide bans at school districts throughout the nation. Most of the books which have been banned cope with race and racism, together with books by authors equivalent to Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Frederick Douglass. These guide bans are an try and silence Black voices and to stop college students from studying concerning the historical past of racism in the US.

  • Restrictions on educating important race idea.

    Essential race idea is a framework for understanding how race and racism have formed American society. It’s a beneficial instrument for educating college students concerning the historical past of racism and its affect on our society right now. Nevertheless, lately, there have been quite a few makes an attempt to limit the educating of important race idea in colleges. These restrictions are an try and whitewash historical past and to silence conversations about race and racism.

  • Assaults on lecturers.

    Academics 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 and silence lecturers and to stop them from educating the reality about race and racism.

  • Censorship of Black historical past.

    The censorship of Black historical past just 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 affect on our understanding of American historical past. It has additionally contributed to the racism and discrimination that Black folks face right now.

Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is a part of this broader sample of censorship. It’s an try and silence Black voices and to stop college students from studying concerning the historical past of racism in the US. 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 lecturers and college students must be free to show and study with out concern of censorship or reprisal. This precept is important for a wholesome democracy, because it permits for the free trade of concepts and the pursuit of information.

  • Censorship of academic supplies.

    Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course is an instance of censorship. The state is stopping colleges from educating a course that’s primarily based on sound scholarship and that has been permitted by the School 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. Academics 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 an absence of variety 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 lecturers for educating sure subjects, they’re sending a message that some concepts are usually not welcome within the classroom. It is a harmful precedent that might result in a decline within the high quality of schooling in the US.

  • Risk to democracy.

    Tutorial freedom is important for a wholesome democracy. When lecturers and college students are free to show and study with out concern of censorship, they’re extra more likely to be engaged residents who’re capable of suppose 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 and silence Black voices and to stop college students from studying concerning the historical past of racism in the US. Additionally it is 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 Training rejected the AP African American Research course as a result of it allegedly violates state requirements and isn’t traditionally correct. Nevertheless, many consultants and educators imagine 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 colleges.

Query 2: What are a few of the subjects coated 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 study concerning the African diaspora, slavery, the Civil Conflict, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Motion, and modern points dealing with African People.

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 important considering abilities. The course is taught by quite a lot of strategies, together with lectures, discussions, readings, and tasks.

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 study concerning the historical past and tradition of African People and by encouraging them to suppose critically concerning the experiences of African People.

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 US. Lately, 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 lecturers and college students must be free to show and study with out concern of censorship or reprisal. Florida’s rejection of the course sends a message that sure concepts are usually not 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 and silence Black voices and to stop college students from studying concerning the historical past of racism in the US. Additionally it is 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 in opposition to Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course:

Ideas

Listed here are some ideas for how one can take motion in opposition to 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 could find contact data to your elected officers on the Florida Legislature’s web site.

Tip 2: Help organizations which are preventing censorship.

There are a selection of organizations which are preventing censorship and selling educational freedom. You may help 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.

If you’re a guardian or guardian, you’ll be able to 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: Communicate out in opposition to censorship.

Communicate out in opposition to 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 concerning the significance of educational freedom.

Closing Paragraph:

By taking motion in opposition to Florida’s rejection of the AP African American Research course, you’ll be able to assist to guard educational freedom and be certain that all college students have the chance to study concerning the historical past and tradition of African People.

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 battle in opposition to censorship and to make sure that all college students have the chance to study concerning the historical past and tradition of African People.

Conclusion

Abstract of Principal 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 US.

Closing Message:

We should all take motion to battle in opposition to censorship and to make sure that all college students have the chance to study concerning the historical past and tradition of African People. We are able to do that by contacting our elected officers, supporting organizations which are preventing censorship, encouraging our college districts to supply the AP African American Research course, and talking out in opposition to censorship each time and wherever we see it.

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