Georgia is witnessing another eruption of debate over education as state superintendent Richard Woods recently voiced his disapproval of the new Advanced Placement (AP) course titled "African American Studies." During remarks made publicly, Woods claimed the curriculum violates Georgia's legislation aimed at banning divisive racial teachings, leading him to withhold his recommendation for the course's official state approval.
The situation has stirred up quite the reaction, especially since this is not just any ordinary class. African American Studies has garnered national attention, particularly when it came under fire from Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year. While some school districts across Georgia expressed intentions to implement it regardless, others have chosen to backtrack.
“After reviewing the content, it was clear parts of the coursework did violate the law,” Woods stated, clarifying months of vague concerns about the course's substance. His comments rest on Georgia's 2022 law banning teachings deemed divisive, which traces its roots to prior executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump. This law explicitly forbids any claims asserting the U.S. is 'fundamentally or systematically racist' and protects students from any feelings of discomfort arising from racial discussions. Given the law’s nature, 18 states, including Georgia, have enacted similar measures.
On the flip side, the AP course is backed by the College Board, the organization responsible for overseeing Advanced Placement curricula. According to spokesperson Holly Stepp, this course is, as she puts it, "a dynamic and rigorous experience rooted deeply in academic scholarship.” Stepp emphasized, “AP students are expected to analyze different perspectives from their own, and no points on an AP Exam are awarded for agreement with any viewpoint.” This perspective sharply contrasts Woods' interpretation of the course's content.
Adding another layer of complexity, Woods' decision appears to be at odds with specific exemptions encoded within Georgia law which permit advanced college-level courses like AP to include sensitive subjects. Legal opinions surrounding this law could very well shape the future of this educational offering, and Woods has signaled his intention to consult Attorney General Chris Carr for expert guidance. He mentioned, “Should the ruling reverse my decision, then I will follow the law,” but his spokesperson clarified this does not automatically mean he will endorse the course, leaving many stakeholders confused.
Woods’ actions have caught the attention of not only political opponents but also fellow Republicans. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office has remained mum on whether the administration agrees with Woods' assertion about the course’s alignment with state law. Of great concern is the potential for legal fallout; if individuals claim violations of the contentious law and fail to resolve matters at their local schools, appeals can be made to the state's Board of Education, which possesses the authority to enact corrective plans.
The debate has lent itself to varied viewpoints, with opponents arguing it upholds systemic unfairness. State Senator Nikki Merritt, who has been critical of Woods, labeled his response as nonsensical. "It makes no sense" for him to deny AP teachings when he could protect school districts legally by endorsing the curriculum.
The issue of intersectionality has arisen as a focal point of criticism from Woods. He expressed grave concerns about how applicable lessons present this concept, which examines the multifaceted layers of discrimination affecting people based on overlapping identities like race and gender. According to Woods, presenting ‘varying narratives’ could serve as evidence arguing the course does not infringe upon existing laws.
Despite these hurdles, some districts remain steadfast. Atlanta’s school system, along with those of DeKalb County and Cobb County, has publicly committed to offering the AP course at select high schools. Conversely, the state’s largest district, Gwinnett County, decided against introducing the course, voicing concerns over how AP credits may impact student eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship, which is based on academic performance.
If anything, this incident underscores the stark and widening rift within educational circles—especially on how matters of race and identity can be taught. For many advocates, the fight to maintain such courses is viewed not merely as educational policy but as fundamental to addressing historical truths disallowed by restrictive laws. Mikayla Arciaga, involved with the Intercultural Development Research Association, decried the current legislation, stating flatly, "Being Black in America should not be considered divisive.” This sentiment encapsulates the underlying concern: the laws’ chilling effects on teaching critical histories and exploration of justice.
What’s at stake goes beyond just coursework; it raises fundamental questions about freedom of expression, academic integrity, and the kinds of dialogue schools should promote, especially when history and identity intertwine.
