Florida middle school students will now be taught that enslaved people had personal benefit from slavery, thanks to new academic standards approved by the Florida Board of Education. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly among teachers’ groups. The move follows the passing of the 2022 Stope WOKE Act, which aims to teach race objectively without promoting a particular viewpoint. Critics argue that these guidelines are attempting to absolve white people of guilt regarding the mistreatment of black people during slavery.
The state’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, has been a vocal proponent of these guidelines and intends to continue pushing for similar changes in students’ education on black history. According to the Board of Education, students will now learn about the various skills that enslaved people developed, such as agricultural work, painting, carpentry, tailoring, domestic service, blacksmithing, and transportation. The intention is to suggest that these skills offered personal benefits to some individuals.
While learning about American history, high school students will also be instructed on the violence committed against African Americans during the era of Reconstruction when black communities were being rebuilt. These new guidelines have faced opposition from various groups, including the Florida Education Association (FEA). At a meeting held in Orlando to discuss the standards, members of the FEA, teachers, citizens, and representatives from other organizations expressed their opposition and requested further revision of the regulations. However, the board rejected this request, leading the FEA to criticize the lack of discussion on the matter.
The FEA has been publicly vocal about their opposition to the new standards, describing them as a significant step backward. In a press release, they expressed concern about the lack of a comprehensive outlook in the standards and emphasized the importance of providing students with a full and honest understanding of the nation’s history. They argued that a world-class education should equip students with the ability to bridge the divisions in society rather than exacerbating them.
This contentious decision in Florida highlights the ongoing debate surrounding how history should be taught in schools. While proponents argue that the new guidelines offer a more balanced perspective, critics argue that they downplay the horrors and long-lasting impact of slavery. The discussion surrounding these standards reflects the broader national conversation about race, education, and the responsibility of teaching history accurately and comprehensively.
In conclusion, the recently passed academic standards in Florida, which teach that enslaved people had personal benefit from slavery, have sparked controversy and opposition. While some support the move as an objective approach to teaching history, others argue that it minimizes the suffering and oppression endured by enslaved individuals. As this debate unfolds, the state faces the challenge of striking a balance between acknowledging the harsh realities of history while providing a comprehensive education for its students.
