Florida Department of Education Blocks Introduction of New Advanced Placement Course on African American Studies, Sparking Debate

The Florida Department of Education’s Office of Articulation has blocked the introduction of a new Advanced Placement course for high school students on African American studies. In a January 12 letter to the College Board, the nonprofit organization that oversees AP coursework, the Office of Articulation stated that the course is “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”

The letter, sent on behalf of the administration of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, did not elaborate on what the agency found objectionable in the course content. However, it did state that “in its current form, the College Board’s AP African American Studies course lacks educational value and is contrary to Florida law.”

The letter concluded by saying that “in the future, should College Board be willing to come back to the table with lawful, historically accurate content, FDOE will always be willing to reopen the discussion.”

The decision to block the course has been met with criticism from some education advocates, who argue that it is important for students to have access to courses that focus on African American history and culture. They argue that such courses are essential for students to gain a better understanding of the history of the United States.

The College Board has yet to respond to the letter from the Office of Articulation, and it remains to be seen whether the course will be allowed to move forward. In the meantime, the decision to block the course has sparked a debate about the importance of providing students with access to courses that focus on African American studies.