In a stunning move of politics encroaching on education, College Board sent out a memo stating that their AP Psychology course would no longer be offered in the state of Florida due to its laws “restricting K-12 lessons on sexual identity and gender” according to Politico. The statement claimed that Florida “has said districts are free to teach AP Psychology only if it excludes any mention of these essential topics (sexual orientation and gender identity).”
However, a few days later, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. stated that the class could still be taught according to Florida’s guidelines and criticized College Board for “playing games.”
Other Possibilities
With laws like the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill and other legislation pushed by Governor DeSantis which limit lessons on gender and sexual orientation, College Board claimed that their course would defy current regulations. As this notification came just weeks before schools reopened, many districts scrambled to find a solution and notify students. Some schools attempted to use a substitute class––like from the IB program––while others entirely scrapped the course.
Palm Beach school chief Mike Burke said “If there was a way we could teach this course and not have our teachers get arrested, we would do it in a second.” Yet other schools continued to provide the AP class but mandated parental permission before students could sign up for the class.
Politicization of Education
Although Mr. Diaz’s announcement reversed the memo, the damage had been done. Many schools are still not offering AP Psychology, and this has become yet another example of the politicization of education. According to ABC News, 2022 saw a record-breaking number of book bans, a 38% increase from 2021.
The American Library Association notes that “of those [attempted to ban] titles, the vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.”
Curriculum gag orders which limit schools from teaching certain aspects of American history also severely incapacitate education.
Regrettably, as a result of all these divisive regulations and increasing political pressure on education, some districts decide to avoid the contention altogether and not teach any of the curriculum. A California principal noted that he was asking educators to refrain from discussing contentious topics.
“This is not me or my administrative team being afraid of conflict. We are taking a pragmatic approach so that our school can function with as little disruption as possible and hopefully without violence.”
The idea that parts of American history and general education cannot be taught for fear of violent retribution is as shocking as it is saddening. The divisiveness of this country’s political sphere is encroaching on students’ right to an education, and this may only be one example if these conflicts continue.