The NAACP & Several Other Organizations Condemn Ron DeSantis & Florida Board Of Education For Approving Controversial Black History Curriculum That Suggests Slaves ‘Developed Skills’ For Their ‘Personal Benefit’

The NAACP & Several Other Organizations Condemn Ron DeSantis & Florida Board Of Education For Approving Controversial Black History Curriculum That Suggests Slaves ‘Developed Skills’ For Their ‘Personal Benefit’

Concern is growing in Florida over recent changes to its public education curriculum.

According to reports, a group of community organizations, which include the NAACP and Florida Education Association, have come together in protest of the state’s decision to approve a troubling set of Black History course standards.

Yesterday (July 19th), the Florida Department of Education reportedly signed off the new standards for Black History courses, that will teach some alarming themes about slavery in the U.S.

Reportedly, the curriculum includes language such as “slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit,” which many proponents of education have found extremely problematic. Critics say the new standards guide fails to give students a complete view of the country’s complex relationship with slavery, and argues that it will seriously hinder the learning of Florida students.

Reportedly, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Florida Education Association, along with 9 other organizations, sent a joint letter to the Board of Education’s president, expressing disapproval of the decision. The document stresses the importance of ensuring the “next generation of scholars” have the proper resources to understand “the full unvarnished history of this state and country and all who contributed to it.” FEA president Andrew Spar reportedly rejected the new legislation, stating:

“How can our students ever be equipped for the future if they don’t have a full, honest picture of where we’ve come from,”

Adding in a direct address to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis‘ well-known campaign against the public education system, his statement continues:

“Gov. DeSantis is pursuing a political agenda guaranteed to set good people against one another, and in the process he’s cheating our kids. They deserve the full truth of American history, the good and the bad,”

Ron DeSantis

Recently, Florida banned an Advanced African American Studies course in high schools, which sought to teach a full spectrum view of the contributions of Black people in the country. DeSantis and the Board of Education blocked the curriculum, claiming it “significantly lacks educational value.”

Reportedly, the AP course included teachings from Black feminist and African American scholars/activists such as Angela Davis and Kimberlé Crenshaw. The rejected course would have also introduced Black queer studies, intersectionality and other related topics.

Angela Davis

However, a much different trajectory has been set for African American studies in the state. Instead of focusing on the lives of important Black figures, the curriculum will additionally address “violence perpetrated against and by African Americans,” and will teach students to “identify” prominent African Americans in history. However, teachers reportedly will not be required to educate on their individual “contributions, challenges, and stories overall.”

Since news of the new standard was announced, many online have shared concern and outrage over the decision. One user pointed out that should DeSantis be successful in his presidential bid, he would govern the entire country’s Department of Education. Which could have significant adverse effects on many states, not just Florida.

The 44-year-old politician announced his presidential campaign run back in May of this year. He is currently favored to be the candidate who will face former President Donald Trump for the 2024 republican party nomination.

[VIA]

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