National Black Justice Coalition Condemns Florida’s Censorship of AP Psychology Over Sexual Orientation, Gender Restrictions in Education
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
FLORIDA – Following reports that the College Board has determined Florida has essentially barred a high school Advanced Placement psychology course in the state because it includes lessons on sexual orientation and identity that violate state law, Dr. David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+/SGL (same-gender loving) civil rights organization, issued the following statement:
“Florida’s effective blocking of a high school Advanced Placement psychology course in the state is an unsurprising result of the continued anti-Black and anti-LGBTQ+ hate of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration and its regressive politicization of our children’s education. The College Board’s forced decision not only censors and erases crucial information about sexual orientation and identity, undermining Florida’s students’ academic growth and emotional well-being, but further marginalizes our LGBTQ+ students and communities.
“DeSantis’ discriminatory law is purely a political ploy meant to buoy a miserably failing presidential run and sends dangerous messages perpetuating stigma, intolerance, and violence that threatens the lives and livelihoods of LGBTQ+ people for political gain. Florida’s students, especially those marginalized as a result of race/ethnicity or sexual identity, gender orientation, and expression, already face considerable obstacles in the pursuit of an equitable education. This move by the so-called leaders of Florida’s Department of Education only compounds these challenges while also threatening their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, negatively impacting development and academic success.
“By silencing the history, experiences, and voices of LGBTQ+ people, we deny students important opportunities to learn about the beautifully diverse ways that people come into being, how minoritized racial/ethnic and sexual minority communities have been marginalized politically, economically, and socially over time, and how our shared histories impact our present and future. Teaching only pieces of our shared history by attempting to omit important pieces of the puzzle render students without the information, skills, and ability to make critical connections needed to be global citizens. Beyond impacting our children, this failure has negative implications for our national safety and economic security.
“We call on all educators, parents, students, and advocates to join us in fighting for an education system that recognizes and celebrates the richness of our diverse identities and experiences. We must unite in challenging bigotry, intolerance, and discrimination, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued in their educational journey. As bell hooks reminds us, democracy has to be defended with each generation, and education is its midwife. Let us all support our students and schools while defending democracy.”