In a recent development, the administration of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida has sought to alter the offerings of AP Psychology, following the state’s rejection of an AP Black History course that incorporated queer theory. However, the College Board, responsible for administering AP courses, has firmly stated that it will not modify the curriculum to exclude lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation. This announcement comes in response to the politicization of the Black History course by DeSantis, prompting the College Board to learn from past mistakes and assert their position clearly from the outset.
The College Board, in a statement released this week, emphasized their commitment to avoiding the same errors that allowed DeSantis to manipulate the discussion surrounding the AP African American Studies course. They made it unequivocally clear to the Florida Department of Education that no changes will be made to the existing offerings. Specifically, concerns were raised by certain Florida districts regarding the learning objective in AP Psychology that covers gender and sexual orientation. However, the College Board affirmed that this topic must remain a required component, as it has been in Florida for many years. Compliance with required topics is vital for a course to be designated as an AP course.
Earlier this year, the DeSantis-appointed Florida Board of Education expanded the state’s controversial “don’t say gay” law, extending its provisions to cover instruction throughout high school graduation. Consequently, instruction related to sexual orientation or gender identity is strictly forbidden by state officials. In response, the DeSantis administration insists that it is the responsibility of the College Board to align their materials with Florida law. However, the College Board officials have maintained their stance, asserting that threats will not influence the curriculum.
While the possibility of Florida banning this course remains uncertain, College Board officials expressed their dismay at the potential denial of participation in this or any AP course for Florida students. They assured AP teachers across the state and nationwide that none of the 40 AP courses, spanning various subjects from art to history to science, will be modified in response to regulations that aim to censor college-level standards for credit, placement, and career readiness.
In an era where inclusivity and comprehensive education are increasingly important, the clash between Florida’s attempts to exclude LGBTQ-related content from AP courses and the College Board’s commitment to maintaining an inclusive curriculum raises significant concerns. LGBTQ students deserve access to education that reflects their identities and experiences, and efforts to restrict their visibility within academic settings must be critically examined and challenged.