Georgia superintendent blocks AP African American studies: Kemp, Metro Atlanta schools respond
Georgia lawmakers denounce AP course defunding
An advanced placement African American studies course had its state funding pulled for the upcoming school year. Several state lawmakers gathered on Wednesday to denounce the defunding and called on State Superintendent Richard Woods to reverse the decision.
A group of state lawmakers, joined by educators, students, pastors and activists, vigorously called into question state superintendent Richard Woods' decision to pull state funding for an advanced placement African-American studies course.
"For the state superintendent to disregard the significance of providing diverse course offerings is deeply troubling," said Mallory Fannin, a Gwinnett County teacher who would've taught the class. "AP African-American Studies was poised to provide my students with a broader understanding of history beyond traditional narratives."
As the Wednesday afternoon news conference began, the state superintendent released a more detailed response that seemed to contradict Tuesday's remarks:
"There has been an African American Studies course code in the catalog of state-funded courses since 2020. Districts using this course code will receive state funding. Should districts choose to do so, they may teach some or all of the standards in the AP African American Studies course using this code (and students may take the associated AP exam).
"When I reviewed the AP course, I had concerns about the state endorsing the totality of the course. It’s my position that districts should use the existing course code – which offers them the flexibility to develop their own curriculum based on local priorities, or to use standards from the AP course if they choose and in consultation with their communities."
The update was not well received by lawmakers at the news conference.
"When you take an AP course, you get quality points. To do it the other way, takes that away," explained State Rep. Jasmine Clark (D-Lilburn). "And even if they can take the AP exam, it affects their GPA."
Legislators say if the state superintendent does not flip, they will put pressure on state school board members to restore funding.
"A board member could reintroduce it, and they could vote on it as a board," said State Sen. Nikki Merritt.
State Senator. Elena Parent, Chairwoman of the Democratic Caucus, says Woods has not clearly explained his concerns with the curriculum.
"He owes the people of Georgia an explanation for what it is in the curriculum that gave him pause," Merritt said.
Georgia Gov. Kemp responds to superintendent
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wrote a letter to Superintendent Woods on Wednesday, asking for details on his reasoning behind choosing not to use state funding for AP African American Studies. In the letter, he emphasized that his office doesn't have a stake, but was requesting clarity for those who do:
"Following the announcement that your office declined to recommend the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course for approval by the State School Board for this upcoming academic year, my staff has received multiple questions from various stakeholders regarding the decision and how it was reached," the governor wrote.
Kemp asked Woods direct questions like: "Did the state fund the pilot of the AP African American Studies course?"; "If so, how much did the pilot cost the state?"; "Over the past 10 years, how many pilot AP courses have been recommended by the state and how many have not been recommended?"; "How many students participated in the pilot of the AP African American Studies course?"
Atlanta City Council responds to superintendent
Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman also took issue with the superintendent's decision:
"I am deeply disappointed by the Georgia State School Superintendent’s decision not to approve the Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies class in high schools. African American history is an integral part of American history, and this decision is particularly detrimental to Atlanta, given its profound social justice legacy and significant contributions to our nation's civil rights progress.
"As the founding President and CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, I can attest that Atlanta is the cradle of the civil rights movement. In the early 1960s, our city became the cultural catalyst where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, and numerous other civil rights leaders nurtured and expanded the movement nationally. This pivotal work was built upon the forced sacrifices of countless enslaved African Americans, whose experiences are an indelible part of Georgia's history.
"Removing the opportunity for our students to learn about the heritage, contributions, and legacy of African Americans in this country directly impedes public memory and cultural awareness. Both elements are crucial in preparing our students to become global citizens and culturally minded individuals.
"Moreover, this course's Advanced Placement designation would allow students to earn valuable college credit. By eliminating this option, we limit our students' educational opportunities and potentially impact their academic and professional futures.
"As the State School Superintendent, Mr. Woods, I urge you to reconsider this decision and approve the AP African American studies class. Our students deserve a comprehensive education that reflects the rich tapestry of our nation's history in all its complexity."
Georgia Legislative Black Caucus responds to superintendent
The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus called the blockage a "step backward." State Rep. Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), the chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) released the following statement on the group's behalf:
"The GLBC stands in staunch opposition to the decision to eliminate the Advanced Placement African American Studies course from the curriculum in Georgia schools. This move, driven by changes from the State Superintendent's Office, is viewed by the GLBC as a detrimental step backwards in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in education. Local districts, including Gwinnett County Public Schools, received state approval to pilot the course during the 2023-2024 school year, allowing participating students to earn deserving credit. However, the recent requirement of a formal course request for districts interested in offering AP African American Studies, as communicated by Dr. Aldridge, Deputy Superintendent, on July 10, 2024, has effectively halted the continuation of this important educational offering. This decision is a significant step backwards in providing students with a holistic and diverse education. African American Studies play a pivotal role in fostering understanding, empathy and appreciation of our shared history and cultural heritage. Removing this course deprives our students of a vital opportunity to learn and engage with important aspects of our society. The GLBC calls for a reconsideration of this decision and urges educational authorities to prioritize the inclusion and continuity of African American Studies in the curriculum in order to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience for all students in Georgia."
Metro Atlanta school districts respond to Georgia superintendent
Below are statements from Cobb County Schools, Fulton County Schools and DeKalb County Schools:
COBB COUNTY
"The District has planned a proof of concept, at one high school, which will allow for interested students to take the AP exam in this course.
"We will continue to do so."
FULTON COUNTY
"Due to the evolving nature of state approval and funding for AP African American Studies, we aim to provide certainty for our parents and students as they plan for the academic year.
"Fulton County Schools has scheduled Honors and On-level African American Studies courses for the 2024-25 school year, and we want to assure our students and parents that these courses will proceed as planned.
"FCS currently covers the costs of Advanced Placement courses for our students. We have and will continue to allow students to register for and take AP examinations, even if they have not taken the corresponding AP course.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our staff, students, and stakeholders informed of any updates once the state confirms its position."
DEKALB COUNTY
"Today, DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Superintendent Dr. Devon Q. Horton reaffirmed the District’s dedication to providing high-quality educational experiences for its students, highlighting its continuing measures to support the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course.
"Throughout my professional career, I have explained that students don’t fail; the systems fail our students. Our goal and responsibility must be to offer our students a comprehensive and inclusive education that reflects our community's diverse history and culture.
"DCSD will offer AP African American Studies in four of its high schools during the 2024-25 school year. One hundred fifty-one students are currently enrolled."
Later on Wednesday, DeKalb County CEO Michael L. Thurmond pledged up to $100,000 to support the district's decision.