State schools chief drops African American studies course

ATLANTA — State School Superintendent Richard Woods has decided not to recommend adding an Advanced Placement African-American studies course to the state’s curriculum offerings during the upcoming school year.

Word of Woods’ decision came in a communication Monday from Gwinnett County Public Schools Chief Learning Officer DeNelle West to the district’s teachers. Gwinnett was among several school districts that piloted the course during the 2023-24 school year.

“This will necessitate schedule adjustments for the students impacted by this change,” West wrote. “Our commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive education remains unwavering, and students can still explore related content through other elective course available at their local schools.”

The decision not to move forward with the AP African American studies course marks the latest episode in a political dispute in Georgia over the value of diversity in the social studies curriculum offered in Georgia’s public schools.

Two years ago, the General Assembly’s Republican majorities passed controversial legislation prohibiting the teaching of U.S. history in a way that might make any student feel guilty or that they are superior or inferior to anyone else because of their race.

GOP lawmakers argued that nothing in the so-called “divisive concepts” bill banned the teaching of slavery or the civil rights movement in Georgia schools. But Democrats said the potential penalties included in the bill would make teachers reluctant to offer students the full reality of U.S. history, both good and bad.

“Woods’ decision truly stands out against the backdrop of the approval of the AP European History class!” Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, wrote in a statement released Tuesday. “What is our state Department of Education communicating to Georgia’s diverse student population?

“This ill-considered decision is in direct opposition to our integrity and professional duties as educators to ensure our students receive a honest inclusive education, which allows them to explore the full history of our world and its people.”

Woods, a Republican, was elected state school superintendent in 2014 and is serving his third term.