Controversial Advanced Placement African American Studies course denied credit towards graduation in Arkansas schools
The Arkansas Department of Education has instructed public high schools in the state that students enrolled in the Advanced Placement African American Studies course will not receive credit towards graduation. The decision comes after Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order earlier this year prohibiting “indoctrination and critical race theory in schools.”
Several high schools, including Central High School in Little Rock, had planned to offer the course this school year. However, a state education official informed high school teachers on Friday that the department would not recognize the course for credit. The move sparked outrage among academics, activists, and the Little Rock School Board.
Supporters argue that the Advanced Placement African American Studies course is an essential part of American history and provides students with critical thinking skills. They argue that the course presents original documents to students so they can interpret and make their own decisions about important topics.
However, opponents claim that the course goes against the executive order signed by Gov. Sanders, and that it does not comply with the rules of the department’s AP program. Critics argue that AP African American Studies includes controversial topics such as reparations, Black queer studies, and the Movement for Black Lives.
This is not the first time Republican leaders in other states have attempted to control Black history education. In early 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis rejected the AP African American Studies course for similar reasons.
In response to the decision by the Arkansas Department of Education, the Little Rock School District is exploring options to ensure that students can still benefit from the course. The district is working on providing local credit for the course and is actively looking for ways to incorporate meaningful learning opportunities for students.
Central High School in Little Rock gained national attention in 1957 when nine Black students known as the “Little Rock Nine” enrolled in the school to challenge segregated public schools. The students faced a hostile white mob and were met with resistance from the National Guard on their first day.
The Advanced Placement African American Studies course was piloted in 60 high schools last year and is set to expand to hundreds of additional high schools this year. The pilot course exams will be administered in the spring of 2024, and the course will be available to all schools in the 2024-25 school year.
The Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus expressed outrage over the Department of Education’s decision, stating that it further marginalizes African Americans and denies all students the opportunity to learn about the unique history and experiences of the community. Critics argue that the decision will limit access to advanced courses and hinder students’ abilities to obtain college credit and weighted GPAs.