FLORIDA TAKES A STEP IN THE WRONG DIRECTION DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February is Black History Month, but instead of celebrating it properly, Florida has engaged in a culture war that censors Black history instead of promoting it.

The state of Florida has rejected Advanced Placement African American Studies from being taught in schools. Students are stripped of a course that would enable them to analyze and think critically about Black history and culture. It is curious that the state finds fault with AP African American Studies, while AP European History remains uncontroversial and is offered in multiple Florida schools. Unfortunately, as a community, we are familiar with double standards.

The push to rid schools of AP African American Studies is all part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to stop “wokeism” from invading classrooms. DeSantis signed the “Stop WOKE Act” in April 2022, which banned schools or workplaces from teaching concepts that could make students feel guilty or teach them how people are oppressed based on race, gender or national origin. The reality is, this serves as an agenda to slowly censor the history of marginalized communities. Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill does the same thing, but with a focus on limiting discussion about the LGBTQ+ community in elementary schools. The conjunction of these two laws can be found in one of DeSantis’ justifications for rejecting AP African American Studies, with his opposition to the course’s covering of “Black Queer Theory.” Interestingly enough, AP United States History also covers the struggle for LBGTQ+ rights during its focus on the Progressive Era, but the state has not encountered an issue with that course.

Following the governor’s rejection of the course, the College Board removed many historical Black figures and movements that conservatives may deem “problematic,” such as Black Lives Matter. However, the College Board has denied that their actions resulted from DeSantis’ criticism.

What is it about Black history that is so dangerous that DeSantis does not want students to learn about? Is it perseverance, resilience and courage in the face of discrimination? Is it the fact that those who learn history are empowered?

The message is clear and intentional. In Florida, students of all races will be denied the opportunity to study the contribution of Black Americans to the nation with the rigor of a university-level class. Much of the governor’s messaging is about “”freedom,” yet there is nothing more antithetical to freedom than censoring history. Perhaps the governor is referring to certain people’s freedom to go about living their lives without having to consider the importance of Black history, or maybe he is protecting them from an AP course that has “African American” in its name.

According to Maya Angelou, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” Such words epitomize the spirit of Black History Month. Instead of assuming students will feel guilty for things they never participated in, or feel oppressed because of the community they are a part of, DeSantis needs to allow students to confront the ugly reality of American history and learn from it. How many students will be unexposed to the works of Angelou, or of the accomplishments of other prominent figures in Black history because of DeSantis’ rejection?

Black History Month is a time to reflect on how far we have come as a nation. We should take pride in the progress our ancestors have made and vow to never stop marching toward a more perfect union. This month, let us not forget the pioneers; let us not forget the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a more complete freedom. Let us not forget that Black history is American history.

Daniel Perodin Staff Writer d.perodin.thepanther@gmail.com

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