Florida Implements New African American History Standards That Include Teachings Claiming That Black People Benefited From Slavery

Florida‘s public schools will include teachings that acknowledge how some Black people gained practical skills from slavery and thus gained certain benefits from the experience.

On Wednesday, Florida’s public schools announced new African American history standards that state some Black individuals benefited from slavery. However, these standards have been criticized by a state teachers’ union as a “step backward.”

The recently implemented standards have sparked controversy due to their inclusion of contentious language. According to a 216-page document about the state’s 2023 social studies standards, the standards make reference to how “slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.” This specific wording has been a point of contention and criticism.

Additionally, other language in the new standards garnered criticism from some educators and education advocates. The issue points out the teachings of Black people being perpetrators of violence during race massacres. This aspect of the curriculum sparked concerns among those who believe it could perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

The Florida Department of Education’s spokesperson, Dr. William Allen and Dr. Frances Presley Rice issued a statement defending the standards. They characterized the guidelines as providing “comprehensive and rigorous instruction on African American History.” The statement emphasized their pride in the African American History Standards and their commitment to standing behind them.

“The intent of this particular benchmark clarification is to show that some slaves developed highly specialized trades from which they benefitted. This is factual and well documented,” the statement read.