WASHINGTON (February 9, 2023)— The Washington Post reported today that Florida’s education department privately complained to the College Board for months on a new Advanced Placement African American Studies course, prior to the release of revisions, according to a timeline released by the state.
The Florida Department of Education rejected an Advanced Placement African American Studies course, writing in a recent letter to the College Board that the course is, “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.” Following criticism from Gov. Ron DeSantis, the College Board released an official curriculum for its new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies — missing content previously called out by DeSantis and other conservatives.
GW Experts are available to speak on this issue.
Erin D. Chapman, an associate professor of history in George Washington University’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, reacted to the ban, saying, "I’m fearful as well as outraged [...] A very narrow set of people are using their limited knowledge of this field to drum up anger and resentment in a wide swath of the population. And it’s pointed at me and people like me.”
Dwayne Kwaysee Wright is an assistant professor of higher education administration and the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives at the George Washington University. He is also available for comment.
If you would like to speak with Professor Wright or Professor Chapman, please contact GW Media Relations at [email protected].