JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Authors of a new AP African American Studies course are defending their final product, which removed lessons on topics like Black Lives Matter and Black LGBTQ figures which had been objected to by the Florida Department of Education.
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After the Florida Department of Education rejected the proposed AP African American Studies Course last month, Governor Ron DeSantis backed the move, taking objection to sections on the Black Lives Matter Movement and a section titled “Black Queer Studies.”
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“Now, who would say that an important part of Black history is Queer theory? That is somebody pushing an agenda on our kids,” DeSantis said in January.
The College Board issued a revised course Tuesday.
Notably absent are both sections objected to by the Florida Department of Education, though similar topics are offered as optional sample project suggestions.
Related Story: ‘Somebody pushing an agenda:’ Florida Gov. defends decision to reject AP African American Studies
“So, we were constantly iterating,” Brandi Waters, Senior Director of AP African American Studies, said.
Appearing on CBS Mornings, Waters and College Board CEO David Coleman dismissed the idea the course was revived due to political pushback.
“We at the College Board don’t really look to the statements of politicians, but we do look to the record of history,” Coleman said.
Coleman explained the final product was dictated by the feedback of teachers, students and professors.
He stood by the final product, arguing its curriculum is based in facts and still represents a full account of the African American experience.
“You’ll find unflinching encounter with facts and evidence of African American history and culture that gives young people the chance to think for themselves,” Coleman said.
Despite the changes, the Florida Department of Education has still not officially given the course a green light.
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Action News Jax has been told the department is currently reviewing the revised version.
