Are Florida schools about to see a re-imagining of African-American history through an incorrect curriculum lens? In a unanimous vote, the state’s Board of Education approved standards, which to some seem to recast critical aspects of Black history.
Among the changes middle school students will be taught how slaves applied developed skills for personal benefit, raising eyebrows and questions about its implications.
Also causing concern are the alterations in high school teachings of 20th-century anti-Black violence. Notably, these lessons now emphasize acts of violence perpetrated against and by African-Americans. Critics argue that such framing could be misleading and is just lying, given that incidents such as the Ocoee Massacre were instigated by white mobs against Black communities.
These curriculum modifications echo the efforts of Governor Ron DeSantis to eliminate what he perceived as potentially distressing historical topics for students. Last year, his controversial Stop WOKE Act was struck down by a federal judge as a violation of the First Amendment. But DeSantis’ determination seems undeterred.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.