AP African American Studies have been removed from Arkansas schools following a “last minute” decision made by the state’s Department of Education.
According to ABC News, the move was announced: “at 4:02 on Friday before schools start on the following Monday.”
“Having this course pulled out from under our students at this late juncture is just another racist move that has already played out in other states,” the organization said.
It continued, “It is our sincere hope that this last-minute decision will be seriously reconsidered promptly so that the students of Arkansas will be able to take this course this year to be able to receive both high school credit and college credit pending successful completion.”
The AP African American course sparked controversy when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration rejected it in January, citing it as “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”
After its pilot phase in 2022-23 involving 60 schools, the AP African American Studies course has expanded to include hundreds more schools for the 2023-24 school year.
“Throughout the first pilot year, we heard countless stories from the classroom about how this course opened minds, changed lives, and provided a much richer understanding of the country,” College Board told ABC News.
Starting from the 2024-25 school year, all schools will have the option to introduce AP African American Studies.
According to the College Board, input from over 300 African American Studies professors representing over 200 colleges nationwide was sought to develop the course curriculum.
The Arkansas Department of Education said the department “encourages the teaching of all American history and supports rigorous courses not based on opinions or indoctrination.”
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