{Gov Ron DeSantis office}
By Bryan Boggiano
The city commission unanimously approved a resolution at their Wed., March 1 meeting to support the original Advanced Placement African American Studies course and other AP courses.
Specifically, the resolution urges Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education to rescind the rejection of the original version of Advanced Placement African American Studies from the state’s course code directory and instructional personnel assignments.
The resolution also urged the state not to reject any other AP courses.
On January 12, the state wrote a letter to the College Board stating AP African American Studies is “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”
The course’s rejection came after the governor signed the Stop WOKE Act and Parental Rights in Education Act into law in 2022, which limits classroom discussions on race, gender, and sexuality.
College Board eventually revised the course to fit the state’s education standards. The revised course is pending state review.
Despite the revisions, Gov. DeSantis floated the idea of Florida reevaluating its ties with College Board or cutting AP classes.
At their February 22 commission workshop, Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen suggested the city consider a resolution on the subject. Miramar and Lauderhill previously passed similar resolutions.
“I applaud our city for taking a stance in ensuring our students have a well-rounded education,” she said.
The Parkland city commission also considered a similar resolution on March 1, but they tabled it.
Vice Mayor Shawn Cerra said although he does not get involved in out-of-city or political issues in his capacity as vice mayor, he considers education a local issue. He also said it is important for students not only to learn the curriculum in AP African American Studies but also in all other AP courses.
Commissioner Joshua Simmons said some students might be interested in pursuing similar subjects in college, and taking courses such as AP African American Studies allows students to choose their educational paths.
“When we talk about freedom and the ability for people to choose their own destiny, small things like this can grow into big things,” he said.
Bowen moved to approve the resolution, which Simmons seconded. The commission unanimously approved.
City Clerk Georgia Elliott will transmit a copy of the signed resolution to the state.
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