Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Announces Plans to Sue Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Administration for Blocking AP African American Studies From Being Taught

Iesha January 25, 2023 News Leave a comment

Civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump intends to sue Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis following his decision to block AP African American Studies.

According to Crump’s office, three AP honors high school students, who will be the lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit, will join him.

Several Florida state lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and American Federation of Teachers secretary-treasurer Fedrick Ingram, will also attend.

Earlier this month, DeSantis’ administration rejected the AP’s African American studies program in a letter to the College Board this month.

According to Florida law, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value, but the state did not specify which content was objectionable.

So far, the state has cited six issues of concern and writings by Angela Davis, Gloria Jean Watkins (better known by her pseudonym Bell Hooks), Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, and other Black authors.

Additionally, DeSantis and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said at a news conference on Monday that the course is a front for “indoctrinating” children with a left-wing ideology while pretending to be a lesson on the Black experience and African American history (which is mandated in the state).

The College Board said on Tuesday that a revised AP course framework, which has reportedly been in development since March, would be made available.

“We are glad the College Board has recognized that the originally submitted course curriculum is problematic, and we are encouraged to see the College Board express a willingness to amend,” said Alex Lanfranconi, a spokesperson for the agency. “AP courses are standardized nationwide, and as a result of Florida’s strong stance against identity politics and indoctrination, students across the country will consequentially have access to an historically accurate, unbiased course.”

According to Lanfranconi, content about topics “that violate our laws” will be taken down. This includes critical race theory, Black queer studies and intersectionality.