The disputed Advanced Placement (A.P.) curriculum in African American Studies underwent changes on Wednesday. The College Board released an updated framework after receiving heavy criticism from Governor Ron DeSantis. This is the second time the board has made changes to this curriculum, ahead of launch next year.
What changes are made?
The new curriculum eliminated several topics that angered the governor and other conservatives. The course has also made some additions to lessons by including topics on sports and racial justice. Some phrases and concepts that had previously been eliminated or downplayed because they were seen to be too controversial are now reinstated, including the adjective "systemic" (which is used by civil rights advocates to describe racism and other forms of discrimination).
According to the latest update in the African American studies curriculum for the country's high schools, students ought to be taught about NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his choice to protest racial injustice and police brutality in 2016 by kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.
The College Board removed the names of several Black writers and scholars who advocate critical race theory, the queer experience and Black feminism. Certain politically sensitive subjects, such as Black Lives Matter, have also been omitted. However, ‘Black Conservatism’ has made entrance to the course and is offered as an idea for a research project.
Why are changes made?
The Advanced Placement course which focuses on African American studies faced political controversy after an early draft was leaked to conservative publications. The controversy began when Florida Governor DeSantis announced he would ban the curriculum, citing the draft version as not historically accurate and violating state law. DeSantis also proposed overhauling higher education, mandating courses in Western civilization. The controversy highlights the United States' inability to agree on its own story, particularly the complex history of Black Americans. Over two dozen states have adopted measures against critical race theory.
