CCBWG Statement on Governor Ron DeSantis's Decision to Ban AP African American Studies Classes
The Congressional Caucus of Black Women and Girls issued the following statement on Florida’s Department of Education’s decision to ban Advanced Placement African American studies classes:
“Gov. DeSantis’s decision to ban AP African American studies courses is another example of an attempt to erase Black history in our education system.
“Standing on the ideas that advanced African American courses are not “historically accurate” and violates state law destroys America’s belief that all of its students have the right of freedom of speech and expression, as set forth in the U.S. Constitution.
“We demand that all children have access to complete, comprehensive, and culturally competent history, WITHOUT limitations.
“Last Congress, the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus of Black Women and Girls cosponsored the ‘Black History is American History Act’ (H.R. 1394) which requires entities to include Black history in their teaching of American history. Additionally, this bill requires Black history to be included in tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
“We need to ensure that ALL children have access to quality education and that our education systems teach curriculums that reflect the beautiful, but complex history of our country.”