Florida Senator Shevrin Jones (D-34) today released the following statement on the College Board’s release of the AP African American Studies course framework:
As we begin Black History Month, this is a monumental moment for education as we recognize the incredible contributions African Americans have made to our country’s story. Throughout our nation’s history, Black Americans have accomplished so much in the face of suffering and injustice. It is imperative that we all continue to learn of the innumerable triumphs, innovation, beauty and diversity of Black American life.
As I noted in a recent Sun Sentinel op-ed, Gov. DeSantis’ systematic attack on public education is far bigger than AP classes. This is part of a larger war on our very ability to think, question, and engage in our democracy. It is a national attempt to redirect how students learn.
Frankly, it is insulting that the Governor is ginning up culture war after culture war while families across the state beg for help from a non-responsive legislative body. He is nowhere to be found while another mom is working three jobs to put food on her children’s table. He is nowhere to be found as gun violence tears apart families and communities across the state. He is nowhere to be found in the face of the ongoing property insurance crisis. The techniques of distortion, denial, and distraction are all part of the right’s dangerous efforts to shape public perceptions and undermine trust in the truth. The people deserve better.
