In a move critics say is “a step backwards in fostering inclusivity and historical accuracy”, Florida has recently revised its educational standards, significantly diluting the incorporation of Black history into the curriculum. Those who oppose this change say this decision not only overlooks the crucial contributions and struggles of Black Americans throughout history but also perpetuates an incomplete and biased understanding of the nation’s past.
The Florida Department of Education approved this curriculum on Wednesday, at a board meeting in Orlando. The new standards require instruction for middle school students to include “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit,” a document listing standards and posted on the Florida Department of Education website said.
Florida’s revised Black history education standards miss an opportunity to include pivotal moments such as the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing fight for civil liberties and social justice. This omission prevents students from critically examining the progress made and the challenges that persist in achieving equality and inclusion for all citizens.
The decision to revise Black history education reflects a change in approach towards promoting empathy, tolerance, and unity among students. By not fully incorporating the historical context of marginalized communities, the state may inadvertently impact students’ understanding of social responsibility and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
“Our children deserve nothing less than the truth, justice, and equity our ancestors shed blood, sweat, and tears for,” Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement condemning the new standards. “It is imperative that we understand that the horrors of slavery and Jim Crow were a violation of human rights and represent the darkest period in American History.”
Martin Luther King III tweeted, “Telling students that slavery helped African Americans build life skills or that the massacres in Oboe and Tulsa were somehow a problem for both sides isn’t historic: it’s heinous. These so-called standards must be changed.”
This change in curriculum sets a precedent that might be of concern to other states, as it could potentially affect progress toward more inclusive and informed societies.
By not fully acknowledging and embracing the contributions of Black Americans, critics say Florida may risk overlooking their impact on the nation’s history and hinder the journey toward a more equitable future.
