On Jan. 25, the Florida Department of Education rejected the Advanced Placement (AP) African-American studies courses throughout all high schools in the state. According to NY Times, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida previously signed an Individual Freedoms Act, known as the Stop WOKE Act in Nov. 2022. The Individual Freedoms Act enforces a certain way of how race-related issues should be spoken and taught about in public places.

There are various social studies courses offered at high schools across the country such as, history, geography, civics, economics, sociology and many more. All these classes have been part of the high school curriculum since the 19th century and have served a great purpose of teaching students new things. 

Introducing AP African-American studies as a course can be beneficial for students to learn more about the African-American history and its impact on today’s society. Supposedly, the courses contain teaching that disobeys the state law in Florida. Although it can also be argued that the Florida Department of Education restricts the subjects the course teaches about race. This may be detrimental to students who may not have the privilege to learn about African-American history and restrains them from learning about current issues and the different perspectives. 

The U.S. is currently debating whether they should implement the new course AP African-American studies for students in all states. It allows students to have an opportunity for a new type of learning and gives them an option when selecting their classes. If this were implemented into the Bonita Vista High (BVH) classes, the course would contain a better point of view on the culture and history of Black people.

The course provides teachings of African-American literature, economics, history, and Black psychology. The course also offers a source of pride and acknowledgment to Black students and communities. It allows students to take the opportunity to learn about how their culture and history has influenced their country.

The AP African-American studies course would not only give students a better insight to African-American history but it will have a great impact on the community as it gives students an opportunity to be more socially active. As a result of the course, the school campus can cultivate better educated students, as they learn mutual respect for others and curiosity for other cultures; developing a value for diversity that can be applied everywhere.

In an article by Smithsonian Magazine, the author states “The course examines 400 years of contributions from Africans and their descendants to the U.S.,” thus, giving students material to critically think and reflect upon how things have changed from the very first moment Africans were forced to migrate to the U.S.. The course focuses on various lessons of liberatory education. 

Instead of only learning new topics about African-American studies for a month during Black History Month, it would be beneficial to students to learn new things in an entire year as a course with more developed topics. This creates an opportunity for students to learn more about Black history and can positively affect the whole community, according to The Daily Californian.  

AP African-American studies would benefit students, not only at BVH but outside of a classroom too. With more critical thinking it can help shape the classroom and their awareness of culture. There are not many classes involved with African descent and this course would add a new change to the school. BVH would have a better understanding and help students be more understanding of other races and cultures, which is essential to an actual united country.