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Georgia school official claims that Black studies course violates ban on divisive racial teachings

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Georgia’s state superintendent of schools, Richard Woods, has stated his reasoning for not recommending a new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies for approval in the state. He believes that the course violates Georgia’s law against teaching divisive racial concepts. The law, implemented in 2022, prohibits teachings that suggest the U.S. is fundamentally or systematically racist and mandates that students should not feel psychological distress based on their race. Various districts in Georgia have responded differently to Woods’ decision, with some planning to teach the course despite lack of approval and others canceling their plans.

The controversy surrounding the Advanced Placement course extends beyond Georgia. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his intent to ban the course in his state in 2023, while South Carolina officials have also refused to approve it. However, South Carolina does permit individual districts to offer the course. The College Board, responsible for offering a range of Advanced Placement courses, defended the African American Studies class, emphasizing its academic foundation and denying allegations of indoctrination.

Woods’ decision has sparked criticism and confusion, as it contradicts a specific exemption in Georgia law for Advanced Placement and high-level college courses. Even though Woods previously suggested districts could teach the material under a different course listing to receive state funding, he now warns that doing so may lead to legal challenges under the state law. State representatives and critics have called attention to the inconsistencies in Woods’ stance, with concerns about the legal implications for districts.

Woods is currently seeking a legal opinion regarding the exemption for AP courses from the state Attorney General. The potential legal outcome may influence Woods’ decision, although it remains uncertain whether he will recommend the course for approval by the state Board of Education. The situation has drawn attention from both Democrat and Republican officials, with Governor Brian Kemp refraining from commenting on whether he believes the course violates state law.

As the debate continues, some Georgia school districts, including Atlanta, DeKalb County, and Cobb County, have opted to offer the African American Studies course in their high schools. However, the state’s largest district, Gwinnett County, announced its decision not to offer the course due to concerns about academic credit implications for students’ eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship merit program. Critics of the divisive concepts law have called for its repeal, arguing that understanding the experiences of Black individuals in America should not be considered a divisive concept.

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