Ban on AP course is part of broader war on education

Here in Florida, it’s hard to not feel like it’s Groundhog Day year round when there’s a new daily attack on Floridians’ rights and freedoms, consistently drawing national headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest assault features a proposed ban on Advanced Placement African American studies coursework, with his administration stating they believe that such programs “lack educational value.”

American history and African American history are inseparable. This nation was founded, and its economy was based, on the backs of enslaved people. Florida is doing its best to tilt the scales and shut down important, much-needed discussions of race, slavery, stolen lands and undeniable history that have led to where we are as a society today. By promoting education policy defined by repression, the governor and his administration have sent a distinct message: The lives and contributions of African Americans are not pertinent to children’s understanding of the country in which they live.

Per the College Board, the nonprofit that oversees and manages AP courses, the African American studies program is an interdisciplinary look at the

history of civil rights, as well as African American music, literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, science — and will explore the vital contributions and experiences of Black folks. At a time when hate groups are increasingly emboldened, it is wildly

irresponsible and reckless to further whitewash what kids are learning in schools.

Florida offers several cultural AP courses, including AP European history, AP Japanese language and culture, and AP German language and culture. Young people need to be exposed

to the world’s rich diversity to grow into informed global citizens who practice empathy, curiosity and collaboration for the greater good.

The full and accurate historical record might make some uncomfortable, but that’s precisely the point. As human beings, we should be repulsed by the inhumane treatment of historically excluded groups in the United States. DeSantis’ culture of fear and intimidation and attempts at muzzling educators won’t make that history magically disappear.

Nevertheless, that’s their end goal. DeSantis’ systematic attack on public education is part of a larger war on our very ability to think, question and engage in our democracy. In order to hold power accountable, one must be informed and able to think for themselves. When one is indoctrinated with a single worldview, they are less likely to ask questions and speak out in the face of injustice. Limiting Floridians’ knowledge and tools limits their personal agency.

How are kids who don’t learn about the 1916 Newberry Six lynchings equipped to recognize the dangerous threat of white supremacy? How can they know to speak out about the disenfranchisement of millions of Americans and voter suppression laws coming out of Tallahassee if they do not learn about the Jim Crow era?

DeSantis and his administration are hellbent on dismantling public education, and as a result, our state’s ability to move into the future. We cannot afford to look the other way.

LYNNE SLADKY/AP Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks after being sworn in to begin his second term outside the Old Capitol on Jan. 3 in Tallahassee. This month, DeSantis’ administration blocked a new Advanced Placement course on African American Studies from being taught in Florida high schools.

By Shevrin Jones