Georgia Superintendent Confirms Public Funding Can Be Used for AP African American Studies Course

Georgia Schools Superintendent Richard Woods said Wednesday that public funds would be used for Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies coursework in state schools, following weeks of confusion.

After confirmation from the state attorney general’s office, Woods said, “It has been determined that this law will not restrict local school systems from adopting any AP, IB or dual enrollment courses. Each of these courses will be exempt from the provisions of the divisive concepts legislation as long as these courses are implemented ‘in a professionally and academically appropriate manner and without advocating personal political beliefs.’”

“Like I said, I will follow the law. In line with this opinion, the AP African American Studies course will be added to the state-funded course catalog effective immediately,” she added.

Woods’ concern that the class would go against the state’s divisive concepts legislation did not align with the exemption made for concepts covered in AP courses.

The state superintendent said he was blocking approval of the AP course in July, with some schools canceling their plans to have classes and others planning to ignore the state and teach the topics anyway.

The debacle comes as several Republican-led states debate whether AP African American Studies course material is appropriate for their schools.

The debate came to a head last year when the College Board, which administers the course, changed the material numerous times and argued with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) over what should be taught in classes.

So far, Florida and Arkansas have completed the course.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story