Florida Bans AP Psychology Course Over Sexual Orientation and Gender Topics
Florida has effectively prohibited the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology course within the state due to its inclusion of content related to sexual orientation and gender. This decision was announced by the College Board, which oversees AP courses, citing that teaching foundational content on these topics is considered illegal under state law.
The issue arose when the Florida Department of Education Office of Articulation requested potential modifications to the AP Psychology course to comply with state law. However, the College Board refused, stating that making any changes that would compromise college-level standards for credit is not feasible.
The current AP Psychology course includes a requirement for students to understand how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development. Florida officials reportedly informed state school districts that the course could be taught without these specific topics. However, the College Board maintains that removing content essential to the course renders it no longer deserving of the label Advanced Placement.
Florida’s move to ban certain topics in the AP Psychology course will have significant implications, as over 28,000 students in the state took the course during the 2022-23 academic year. Tens of thousands of students will now be affected by the new restrictions imposed by the Florida Department of Education.
This decision stems from a rule implemented by the Florida Department of Education in April, which states that instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited in grades 4 through 12, unless it is explicitly required by state academic standards or included in a reproductive health or health lesson. Furthermore, parents have the option to exempt their children from attending lessons related to these topics.
The ban on specific topics within the AP Psychology course raises concerns about educational limitations and the freedom to discuss important aspects of human development and socialization. Advocacy groups argue that comprehensive education, which includes topics concerning sexual orientation and gender, is crucial for creating a tolerant and inclusive society.
As the College Board and Florida education officials attempt to navigate this contentious issue, the implications for students’ education remain in question. Whether compromises can be reached or alternative solutions can be devised to address the concerns raised by both sides is yet to be seen. In the meantime, students in Florida will be deprived of valuable insights into the influence of sex and gender on human development as part of their Advanced Placement Psychology curriculum.
