Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing criticism from Black Republicans and conservatives for the state’s controversial African American history standards. The revised guidelines, which were signed into law last year, include a provision suggesting that slaves benefited from their enslavement. Several prominent Black conservatives, including Rep. Byron Donalds and leaders of Black conservative organizations, have voiced their objections to this aspect of the revised standards.
Diante Johnson, president of the Black Conservative Federation and a supporter of Donald Trump, expressed his concerns about DeSantis’s position and claimed that the governor does not align with the interests of Black conservatives. Johnson stated, Ron DeSantis is not the candidate for Black conservatives and that’s what [he] constantly, constantly exhibits to us.
While Rep. Donalds generally supports the overall changes in the guidelines, he specifically criticized the notion that slaves benefitted personally from slavery. He deemed this view as wrong and needs to be adjusted, leading to a public disagreement with Governor DeSantis. In response to Donalds’s objections, DeSantis questioned whether he was aligning himself with liberal media outlets and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, rather than the state of Florida.
The criticism of DeSantis and the revised education rules extends beyond Rep. Donalds. Other Black conservative Congressmen, such as Rep. Tim Scott, Rep. John James, and Wesley Hunt, have also publicly criticized the guidelines. Rep. Hunt, speaking from his own perspective as a descendant of slaves, finds it difficult to understand DeSantis’s position that skills learned in bondage were beneficial. He further suggested that DeSantis prioritize his role as Florida’s governor instead of focusing on his potential presidential campaign.
The differing opinions among Black conservatives and Republicans reflect a wider discussion about how African American history is taught in schools. The controversy surrounding the revised Florida guidelines highlights the need for balanced perspectives and accurate portrayals of the painful experiences endured by millions who suffered through slavery.
It remains to be seen how DeSantis and his administration will respond to the criticisms and whether any adjustments will be made to the controversial provision in the African American history standards. The backlash from Black Republicans and conservatives underscores the importance of thoughtful and inclusive education that accurately reflects the experiences and contributions of marginalized communities.
