Topline
Florida drew controversy this week after the state rejected an AP African-American Studies course for “lack[ing] educational value,” the newest in a string of current selections by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and his administration which have reshaped training within the state to be additional to the precise forward of his possible presidential run.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks after being sworn in to start his second time period throughout an … [+]
Key Facts
AP Studies: The state didn’t clarify its reasoning for rejecting the African-American research course, however mentioned it will “reopen the discussion” about it if the College Board had extra “lawful, historically accurate content,” and the Florida Standard, a conservative outlet, reported the decision was based mostly on the syllabus containing “progressive” matters like “Black Queer Studies” and “Postracial Racism and Colorblindness.”
Stop WOKE Act: Florida enacted legislation that bars “critical race theory” from colleges and universities, which has been partially blocked in court docket however the state has nonetheless been taking some motion on, akin to by issuing a survey to universities asking about ideological leanings and variety.
School Libraries: The state has additionally enacted restrictions on what supplies college libraries can have, making it simpler for controversial supplies to be challenged or outlawed, and mandated new training for college librarians; native news stories suggest the adjustments have resulted in some lecturers shifting to eliminate their classroom libraries fully in order to not violate the legislation.
Don’t Say Gay: Florida drew nationwide controversy for its Parental Rights in Education legislation, identified by critics as “Don’t Say Gay,” which prohibits some classroom instruction on LGBTQ points and has been criticized as discriminatory and dangerous to LGBTQ college students.
Transgender Students: DeSantis’ administration has asked universities to supply particulars on what number of college students have sought gender-affirming medical care like surgical procedure or hormone prescriptions, drawing criticism from LGBTQ rights advocates, and the Florida State Board of Education handed a motion Wednesday stating federal anti-discrimination guidelines towards sex-based discrimination don’t cowl transgender college students.
School Boards: DeSantis publicly supported quite a lot of Republican college board candidates within the midterm elections, which helped set up them at school districts throughout the state, and Politico reports many DeSantis-backed officers are actually utilizing their energy to oust superintendents who aren’t aligned with their insurance policies.
New College of Florida: DeSantis appointed six new trustees to the New College of Florida, a public school identified for being extra left-leaning, and his administration mentioned the appointments have been a part of an effort to remake the school as “more along the lines of a Hillsdale of the South,” referring to Hillsdale College, a Michigan college known for its Christian and conservative ideologies.
Ben Sasse: DeSantis enacted a legislation that made the method of choosing school presidents extra secretive, which quickly led to the University of Florida appointing former Sen. Ben Sasse (R-N.D.) to be its subsequent president, sparking protests from college students who questioned the method behind his appointment and feared he can be too partisan of a pacesetter.
Math Textbooks: The Florida Department of Education drew controversy in spring 2022 for rejecting math textbooks from getting used within the state due to “impermissible” content material round crucial race concept and “social emotional learning.”
Crucial Quote
“We must ensure school systems are responsive to parents and to students, not partisan interest groups, and we must ensure that our institutions of higher learning are focused on academic excellence and the pursuit of truth, not the imposition of trendy ideology,” DeSantis mentioned in his second inaugural tackle in January when he was sworn in for a second time period, criticizing different states for “[harming] education by subordinating the interests of students and parents to partisan interest groups.”
Chief Critics
DeSantis and his administration’s strikes on training have drawn widespread criticism from the left, and from many educators and faculty staff. “It is turning into more and more untenable, significantly for marginalized individuals, however for many individuals to work in larger training as a result of there’s a lot hostility from the federal government, which is an infringement on our educational freedom, nevertheless it’s additionally an infringement on our First Amendment rights,” University of Florida librarian Kestrel Ward instructed ABC News.
Key Background
DeSantis has garnered widespread consideration as governor for his insurance policies geared toward attacking extra “liberal” ideologies. In addition to his instructional efforts, the governor has additionally vehemently attacked Covid-19 restrictions and raised questions on vaccines—regardless of medical proof exhibiting they’re protected and efficient—and the state waged a struggle with Disney after it got here out publicly towards the “Don’t Say Gay” laws. The Florida governor has ramped up his efforts to reform the state’s colleges and faculties as his nationwide profile has risen forward of the 2024 presidential election. DeSantis has turn into a frontrunner for the GOP nomination since he sailed to reelection in November by a 20-point margin—whereas former President Donald Trump, his principal competitors, was as a substitute blamed for the get together’s losses—although he has not but formally dedicated to operating.
Further Reading
Ron DeSantis is pushing education in Florida much further right (Washington Post)
DeSantis-backed school boards begin ousting Florida educators (Politico)
Florida rejects AP African American Studies course, claiming it ‘lacks educational value’ (Miami Herald)
DeSantis seeks details on transgender university students (Associated Press)
Some educators slam DeSantis’ war on ‘woke’ in education (ABC News)
Some teachers removing classroom libraries to comply with new Florida rules, officials say (WFTV)