Georgia Schools Chief corrects errors in African-American Studies

Georgia high schools will now offer Advanced Placement African American Studies with state funding, announced Superintendent Richard Woods on Tuesday. The decision follows a clarification from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr that House Bill 1084 exempts certain classes from the state’s divisive concepts law.

Upon receiving the letter from AG Carr, Woods stated, “Any such course developed by its controlling entity will be automatically adopted within the state-approved course catalog.” He emphasized that the AP African American Studies course will be included in the catalog without requiring further approval.

As a result of the clarification, the AP course will be immediately added to the state-funded catalog, as per Woods’ commitment to abide by the law. All AP courses now carry a disclaimer stating that they were not vetted by the state and that districts must comply with legal requirements.

Many Georgia students have already started the school year, with districts like Atlanta Public Schools and Cobb County Schools offering the course alongside other AP classes. Gwinnett County, the state’s largest school district, initially decided against offering the course but later announced plans to accommodate students who want to enroll.

Superintendent Calvin Watts expressed gratitude for the advocacy that led to this outcome, acknowledging the challenges faced by schools and the community while emphasizing the importance of providing students with the full AP experience.

Woods’ recent decision marks a shift from his previous stance, where he hesitated to recommend state approval for the course due to concerns about the divisive concepts law. Gov. Brian Kemp also raised questions about the initial decision, prompting further legal clarification.

Following discussions with Rep. Will Wade and the House Education Committee, it was affirmed that AP and advanced courses are exempt from the divisive concepts law to safeguard students’ opportunities to enroll in challenging classes.

Despite the resolution, concerns remain about the impact of the divisive concepts law on classroom discussions and education. Lawmakers are urged to address lingering uncertainties stemming from the legislation to ensure a clear understanding of its implications at both the state and district levels.

The nationwide debate surrounding the course’s inclusion underscores the broader issues at play in education policy, with different states taking varying stances on the matter. In Georgia, the focus has shifted towards ensuring equitable access to diverse educational opportunities for all students.

Political analysts suggest that strategic considerations and public perception may have influenced the decision-making process, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in shaping educational policies in the current political landscape.