Black history revisionism in Florida schools
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A report by the Washington Post shows how the recently approved amendments to the Black history curriculum by the Florida State Board of Education are a step backward in American civic education.
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People rally to protest the death of George Floyd in Houston on June 2, 2020. (AP)
The Florida State Board of Education's approval of updated rules for teaching Black history in public schools has sparked heated debates and criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the revised standards represent a "step backward" and downplay the significance of African American history. The contentious changes come amidst broader discussions about the state's approach to teaching sensitive topics such as race and gender identity.
The Updated Black History Curriculum
The newly approved standards have attracted significant backlash, with critics arguing that they present a limited and skewed perspective of Black history. The revisions include highlighting that enslaved people "developed skills" that were beneficial for their personal gain, a statement that many view as downplaying the severity and suffering of those who were enslaved. Furthermore, the curriculum now requires instructors to mention "acts of violence perpetrated against and by African Americans" when teaching about mob violence against Black residents, which some critics interpret as an attempt to balance the historical narrative by diverting attention from systemic racism.
Read more: Black people in US die at higher rate than White counterparts: Study
Controversy Surrounding Key Figures
One point of contention lies in how elementary school children are taught to recognize important figures in Black history. The updated curriculum emphasizes recognizing individuals like Rosa Parks and Thomas Jefferson as representatives of the United States, without delving into a deeper understanding of their histories and struggles. Critics argue that this approach oversimplifies complex historical figures and disregards the broader context of their actions.
Proponents and Critics of the Changes
Florida's Education Commissioner, Manny Diaz, defended the revised curriculum, stating that it offers a more "robust" and comprehensive approach to Black history education, suitable for various age groups. On the other hand, the Florida Education Association (FEA), the state's largest teachers union, expressed vehement opposition to the changes, viewing them as a disservice to students and a regression from the state's prior commitment to teaching African American history.
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Impact on Civil Rights History
Critics argue that the updated standards fail to adequately cover important events in Florida's civil rights history, including the Ocoee Massacre. Concerns have been raised that the curriculum appears to blame African Americans for the violence during the incident, which involved as many as 60 Black residents being killed as they attempted to vote in 1920.
The Florida State Board of Education's approval of the revised Black history curriculum has triggered intense debate and criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the changes represent a setback for inclusive education, while proponents maintain that the new standards provide a more comprehensive approach to teaching history. As the implementation of these standards begins, the future impact on students and the perception of Black history in Florida's schools remains a contentious topic.
Read more: Black History Month: black oppression at the hands of the Europeans
