Senator Tim Scott Condemns Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for Teaching that Some Black People Benefited from Slavery

In a rebuke of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican in the Senate, condemned the state’s new public school standards that teach that some Black people benefited from slavery. Scott said that while the attempt to feature the personal benefits of slavery is wrong and needs to be adjusted, he hopes that everyone in the country, especially those running for president, will appreciate this.

GOP Representative Byron Donalds, the sole Black member of Florida’s congressional delegation, also criticized the state Education Department and DeSantis for the clarification in middle school instruction standard on Black history. The standard includes instruction on how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

In response to the controversy, Scott said, “There is no silver lining in slavery.” He added that slavery was really about separating families, mutilating humans, and even raping their wives.

Donalds, however, praised the new African-American standards in Florida, calling them “good, robust, and accurate.” He said that the standards are a step in the right direction and will help to ensure that students are taught the truth about the history of slavery.

The controversy over the new standards highlights the importance of teaching accurate and comprehensive history in public schools. It also serves as a reminder that slavery was a horrific institution that should never be forgotten or minimized.