Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate, feels that the Biden administration has repeatedly misrepresented Florida’s education system and invited Vice President Kamala Harris down to the state to have an “open and honest dialogue” about African American History standards adopted by the Florida Department of Education. In a letter to Harris, DeSantis expressed his disappointment in the White House’s reaction to the standards and wrote, “One would think the White House would applaud such boldness in teaching the unique and important story of African American History.”
The standards, which teach the story of African Americans throughout American History, have been heavily criticized by Harris who claims that the curriculum teaches that slaves were beneficiaries of slavery, despite this not being the case.
DeSantis has suggested that Harris should take up his invitation and meet with Dr. William Allen, lead advisor in the creation of the standards, for a discussion. He said, “In Florida we are unafraid to have an open and honest dialogue about the issues. And you clearly have no trouble ducking down to Florida on short notice. So given your grave concern (which, I must assume, is sincere) about what you think our standards say, I am officially inviting you back down to Florida to discuss our African American History standards.”
Recent research has revealed that the Advanced Placement (AP) African American course, which has similarities to the new K-12 standards adopted by Florida, has taught that slaves “learned specialized trades and worked as painters, carpenters, tailors, musicians, and healers” and “used these skills to provide for themselves and others.”
The Florida Department of Education (DOE) has stood firm on its decision to move forward with the standards and implement the curriculum in the state’s classrooms. DeSantis said, “In Florida we are unafraid to have an open and honest dialogue about the issues. And you clearly have no trouble ducking down to Florida on short notice. So given your grave concern (which, I must assume, is sincere) about what you think our standards say, I am officially inviting you back down to Florida to discuss our African American History standards.”
DeSantis maintained his position that the Biden administration has disconcertingly misrepresented Florida’s education system and once again expressed his disbelief, writing, “Over the past several weeks, the Biden administration has repeatedly disparaged our state and misinformed Americans about our education system.”
It remains to be seen whether Vice President Kamala Harris will take up the invitation and openly discuss Florida’s African American History standards or if she will continue to criticize the state’s move forward with the implementation of the curriculum. DeSantis sent a clear message that he is open to having an honest dialogue about the standards and is willing to have Harris, along with any others who share her views, join in the discussion.