Florida's education system is facing criticism and concern after the state's Board of Education unanimously approved new guidelines for teaching Black history. The guidelines, titled "Florida's

State Academic Standards - Social Studies, 2023," have been met with disapproval from the Florida Education Association, the statewide teachers union.

The union has expressed worry that the updated standards are a significant step backward for education in the state. They argue that the guidelines fail to provide students with a comprehensive and honest understanding of African American history, which has been a required part of the curriculum since 1994. The president of the Florida Education Association, Andrew Spar, emphasized that students deserve an education that presents the full truth of American history, both the positive and negative aspects, to foster a deeper understanding and help heal divisions in the nation.

Critics of the guidelines have highlighted specific problematic clarifications. One concerning clarification requires teachers to discuss the supposed positive aspects of being a slave, focusing on the skills developed by slaves for their personal benefit. This approach presents a false and distorted perception of the realities faced by Black people during slavery.

Another section discussing "acts of violence perpetrated against and by African Americans" has also faced criticism. The guidelines discuss the growth and destruction of Black communities during the Reconstruction era, specifically referencing the tragic 1920 Ocoee Massacre. However, the phrasing appears to place the blame on Black people, leading to accusations of victim-blaming.

In response to these issues, State Sen. Geraldine Thompson raised her concerns during a meeting about the guidelines. Thompson, who played a role in passing a law in 2020 that mandates teaching about the Ocoee Massacre, pointed out that the guidelines suggest the massacre was sparked by violence from African Americans, which she deems inappropriate and blaming the victims.

The amendments also include teaching elementary school children about notable individuals like Rosa Parks and Thomas Jefferson, but critics argue that this approach oversimplifies Black history and struggles, depriving students of a deeper understanding of the contributions and challenges faced by Black people throughout history.

This debate over how Black history should be taught in Florida's schools is not new. Earlier this year, the education board rejected a new Advanced Placement high school course on African American studies, citing a lack of "educational value." The ongoing discussion highlights the importance of providing students with accurate and comprehensive education about Black history to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusivity in the classroom. Photo by Fuzheado, Wikimedia commons.