Georgia’s refusal to approve AP African American Studies tied to harmful state law

STATEMENT FROM SEF – July 31, 2024

Contact: Alan Richard, arichard@southerneducation.org, (202) 641-1300

Today’s announcement by the Georgia state school superintendent — citing the state’s “divisive concepts” law as the reason for his refusal to approve the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course — shows why the law is problematic and is limiting students’ opportunities to learn.

The decision by the state superintendent and Georgia State Board of Education to refuse full approval of the AP course is the latest evidence of the “divisive concepts” law’s harmful impact on classroom instruction in Georgia. The law is a needless distraction for educators dedicated to their students’ academic success.

State officials’ continued refusal to approve the course discourages schools from offering a high-quality,interdisciplinary course that helps prepare students for other advanced courses and success in college — and engages students in honest conversations about this nation’s history.

As a nation, we should be focused on preparing our young people to thrive in diverse workplaces and keep America economically competitive.

Since 1867, the Southern Education Foundation has worked to make educational opportunities more equitable, especially for students of color and students from low-income families, groups that have been marginalized historically.