A new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies in Georgia has been deemed not in violation of the state's law against teaching divisive racial concepts. The state's attorney general clarified that the law exempts AP and similar college-level courses taught to high school students. This determination came in response to a letter from a state representative who authored the 2022 measure.
Georgia's Superintendent of Schools had initially refused to recommend the course for approval by the state Board of Education, citing concerns about its compliance with the law. However, following the attorney general's clarification, there is hope that the course will receive the necessary recommendation.
Despite some districts opting not to teach the course without state approval, the College Board, which offers Advanced Placement courses, has emphasized that the course is based on academic scholarship and aims to educate rather than indoctrinate students.
The law requires teachers to instruct in a professional and academically appropriate manner without espousing personal political beliefs. However, it specifically exempts AP courses, along with international baccalaureate and dual enrollment coursework.
One of the contentious issues raised by the Superintendent of Schools was how the course presents the concept of intersectionality, a framework for understanding overlapping systems of discrimination. This concept is among the 74 required topics in the course.
While some school districts have committed to offering the course despite the lack of official state approval, others, like Gwinnett County, have decided against it due to concerns about students not receiving credit that an approved AP course would provide for programs like the HOPE Scholarship merit program.
Georgia's ban on teaching divisive racial concepts, influenced by a now-repealed executive order, aims to prevent claims that the U.S. is fundamentally or systematically racist and to ensure that no student feels psychological distress based on their race. This ban aligns with similar legislation in 18 other states.
