In a recent development, Florida’s Department of Education has effectively banned the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology class in the state, citing its content on sexual orientation and gender identity. The move comes as a result of the controversial Parental Rights in Education Act, often referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, which prohibits the instruction of LGBTQ topics in the state’s classrooms.
The College Board, the nonprofit organization responsible for AP courses, expressed dismay over the decision, stating that the ban deprives parents and students of choice. This sudden restriction disrupts the college readiness and affordability plans for tens of thousands of Florida students who had enrolled in AP Psychology, one of the state’s most popular AP classes.
While Florida will permit superintendents to offer the college-level psychology course for high schoolers, they are required to exclude any mention of LGBTQ topics. The College Board, however, firmly contends that removing these lessons, which address “how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development,” would amount to censorship of college-level standards. The nonprofit further highlights that LGBTQ-related content has been a part of AP Psychology since its inception three decades ago.
The impact of this decision is significant, given that more than 28,000 Florida students took AP Psychology in the previous academic year. Critics argue that such a restriction impairs the academic growth and inclusivity of the education system in Florida.
Backlash from Experts and Advocates
The American Psychological Association (APA), the nation’s largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists, stood against stripping LGBTQ topics from the AP Psychology curriculum. They emphasized that understanding human sexuality is fundamental to psychology and that excluding such crucial content deprives students of essential knowledge for their studies and beyond.
Teachers’ unions and LGBTQ advocates have also condemned the state’s move. Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, characterized the restriction as part of Governor DeSantis’ efforts to erode rights and censor dissenting voices.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy group, expressed concern about the erasure of LGBTQ experiences from the curriculum. Robinson pointed out that psychology, as a discipline, revolves around all people and excluding LGBTQ topics hinders educational opportunities for Florida students pursuing psychology in higher education.
Governor DeSantis’ Controversial Record
Governor Ron DeSantis has faced widespread criticism for signing the “Don’t Say Gay” law, which restricts discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms. Additionally, he enacted laws barring transgender individuals from using public restrooms aligned with their gender identities and imposing restrictions on drag performances in front of minors.
These moves have sparked ongoing feuds between the governor and major entities, such as The Walt Disney Co., and have raised concerns about LGBTQ rights and inclusivity in the state.
The controversy surrounding the restriction of AP Psychology with LGBTQ topics is yet another chapter in the larger debate over the extent of educational freedom and inclusivity in Florida’s schools. As stakeholders continue to voice their concerns, the fate of this critical educational offering remains uncertain.