Ron DeSantis Faces Criticism for ‘Anti-Gay Law’ by Teachers Federation

The measure, which was signed by the governor Ron DeSantis, forbids public school teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in their classes. In a recent development, the Advanced Placement (AP) psychology course curriculum in the state of Florida has become the subject of a divisive controversy. 

Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law was passed in March 2022, sparking the uproar. The statute was expanded to cover all grades in April at the governor’s request, despite being primarily intended for use at the primary grade levels. 

In light of this, the College Board, which oversees standardized tests like the SAT, was requested to guarantee that all of its AP courses, including AP Psychology, complied with state laws. 

In particular, an assurance document attesting to compliance with Florida’s laws and regulations was requested of the College Board. In an interesting turn of events, the College Board refused to sign the ‘assurance statement,’ citing worries that it would force the removal of issues about sexual orientation and gender identity from the curriculum. 

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Florida’s High AP Participation Faces Curriculum Changes

The College Board thus instructed Florida school districts not to include AP psychology in their timetables for the forthcoming academic year. Numerous school districts now face the task of replacing the well-liked course and providing support for the children who had planned to enroll as a result of this decision. 

Florida had the highest AP participation rate in the US and the second-highest percentage of graduating seniors who had completed at least one AP exam in 2021. The debate goes beyond the curriculum change that removed AP psychology.

Florida abolished AP African American Studies earlier this year due to worries that the subject would be used to advance a certain political agenda.

Democratic representative for Orlando, Anna Eskamani, criticized the state’s attitude as being politically motivated and harmful to pupils. Several people commented on the incident on social media.

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Source: www.msn.com