Florida rejects AP African American Studies course for lacking educational value

Florida education officials announce in January 2023 that the state will not approve the pilot Advanced Placement African American Studies course as initially presented. The state says the course lacks educational value and violates state restrictions on instruction about race and ideology. The decision draws national attention because the course covers Black history, culture, politics, and contemporary debates. Critics say the rejection is part of a broader effort to restrict teaching about racism and Black studies. State power over curriculum becomes a central front in racial politics and education policy.