Six schools in Arkansas have decided to teach AP African American Studies, a college-level course designed with the aim of providing students with a good understanding of Black history and culture. This is despite objections from state officials, who consider it “indoctrination.”
Arkansas Schools Defy State Objections
Initially, the six schools had planned to offer AP African American Studies as part of the College Board’s pilot testing program. This program covers a wide range of themes, including early African empires, the transatlantic slave trade, and Black power and pride. However, the state’s decision threw the program into turmoil just as the new school year began.
District Commitment to the Course
Superintendent Jeremy Owoh of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District expressed his district’s commitment to the course, stating that it would enrich the curriculum and help students appreciate the diversity of society.
Jeremy Owoh’s Words
Owoh said: “District leaders believe that the AP African American Studies course will be a valuable addition to the district’s curriculum and will help our young people understand and appreciate the rich diversity of our society.”
Some Funding Challenges
While many colleges across the nation have expressed willingness to grant credit for AP African American Studies based on student exam scores, Arkansas has stated that it will not cover the cost of students taking the test. Despite this, around 35 Jacksonville High students are eager to enroll in the class.
Central High School’s Commitment
Central High School in the Little Rock School District, a historic institution known for its role in the desegregation of schools in 1957, also remains committed to offering the course as originally planned. The school district will cover the cost of students’ exams.
The District’s Words
The school district said: “AP African American Studies will allow students to explore the complexities, contributions, and narratives that have shaped the African American experience throughout history, including Central High School’s integral connection.”
Critical Race Theory
The controversy surrounding the inclusion of the course in Arkansas schools began when Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued executive orders banning “indoctrination and critical race theory in schools.” Following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ criticism of the course, the College Board removed certain topics and made some optional. It later issued an apology and pledged to further review the course’s content, emphasizing its commitment to providing an objective and thorough exploration of Black history and culture.
Persistent State Opposition
While several states with Democratic leadership have embraced the course, Arkansas remains steadfast in its stance. According to Kimberly Mundell, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Education, the state will not approve of the course until it determines whether it violates state law by promoting Critical Race Theory or indoctrination.
The Internet’s Response
News of the six schools’ bold decisions to go forward with the course was shared across social media and people were largely supportive. “Indoctrination is banned in schools? I assume they’ll be getting rid of the Pledge of Allegiance then,” one person wrote.
Concern for Teachers
Others expressed concerns about the consequences for the teachers. One person wrote: “This won’t end well for the teachers or the kids. I feel sorry for both of them. The teachers will get fired or quit and the kids will be left with subs.”
The Fearful Right
Another commenter said: “It’s amazing how fearful the right is of any demographic they can’t pull into their ridiculous MAGA movement. Seems any group who tend to prefer equality and free thought are more likely to vote Democrat – and that puts the fear of God in them.”
A Fear of Education
Similarly, some people questioned why the far-right seemingly fear education, highlighting a more subtle take on indoctrination. One such individual said: “How sad what is happening around this country. I wonder why so many red state officials fear people being educated?”
An Attempt to Rewrite History
Others highlighted the importance of teaching both the good and bad parts of American history and called for people to stand against politicians who disagree. One individual wrote: “Education systems must stand up against politicians like Huckabeast who would attempt to rewrite [and] whitewash history.”
Far-Right Indoctrination
Another commenter wrote: “Government needs to stay out of education. It’s amazing how the MAGA bunch wants to restrict what is taught in public schools. I guess they don’t get what they are doing is also called indoctrination.”
Failing the General Public
Echoing the aforementioned individual, another person said: “Not allowing African American Studies is a form of indoctrination. As is the lack of instruction in Native American history. Our educational system has failed the general public on so many fronts.”
Learning From the Past
The commenter continued: “Not everyone learned of the history that actually happened unless people learned on their own. This does not change the fact that we all need to learn from our past mistakes and solve the problems we created!”
A Very Ironic Situation
Another wrote: “The irony is that refusing to teach the full history of our country is indoctrination. If you refuse to talk about slavery and its impact on our country, that’s indoctrination into a wishful thinking view where slavery never happened. That’s what Arkansas, and many others, seem to be ignoring.”
Dictating What Children Can Learn
Others found Huckabee Sanders’ use of executive orders concerning. One individual wrote: “No one person, like a governor, should be able to say what children can learn and can’t learn. Who does she think she is?”
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