Chris Christie Criticizes Florida Governor DeSantis Over New Educational Standards on African American History

Last week, the Florida Board of Education released a set of educational standards that directs teachers to instruct students about the skills enslaved people developed and the violence perpetrated against and by African Americans. The standards also state that some Black people benefited from slavery because it taught them useful skills. The updates to the curriculum were required by a 2022 law, which has been met with criticism from Republican presidential candidate and former New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie.

On Sunday, Christie went after his rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for his response to the new standards. Christie argued that DeSantis should have done more to ensure the standards were not implemented. He also argued that the standards should not be used to teach students that some enslaved people benefited from slavery.

The new standards have been met with criticism from both sides of the aisle. Some argue that the standards are an attempt to downplay the horrors of slavery and whitewash the history of African Americans. Others argue that the standards are necessary to provide a more comprehensive understanding of African American history.

The Florida Board of Education has defended the standards, arguing that they are intended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of African American history. They also argue that the standards are not meant to downplay the horrors of slavery.

The debate over the new standards is likely to continue as the 2022 law approaches. It remains to be seen how the standards will be implemented and how they will be received by students and teachers.