(Corine Gatti, Headline USA) Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has been lambasted by false claims about the state’s African American history curriculum.
However, the assertions have nothing to do with history and are solely about trying to “kneecap” DeSantis, said Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, who called the drama over Florida’s African American History “absurd.”
“That happens to be my academic field as a historian; I used to write extensively—including curriculum standards—on the topic,” said Roberts, who has a Ph.D. in American history. “So I took some time to review Florida’s. The bottom line: they are excellent.”
The false claims originated late last week after Vice President Kamala Harris said that Florida state’s new curriculum on African American painted slavery as “beneficial.”
Roberts tweeted that Florida’s standards actually are a model for other states. “They are comprehensive in topics covered, do not shy away from difficult topics, and—as history should—use examples of heroic people who fought oppression,” he added.
The standards required the inclusion of African Americans’ vital contributions in instructional materials and the celebration of their inspirational stories of success in the face of adversity, Roberts reminded opponents.
Enslaved Africans had various specialized skills, which they utilized as painters, carpenters, tailors, musicians, healers, alongside their agricultural work. After gaining freedom, they applied these skills to sustain themselves and the community.
“In no way does mentioning that ‘personal benefit’ for some slaves, in some instances, amount to defending slavery or making slavery sound better–rather, it shows the amazing, heroic perseverance of enslaved people amid an evil system.”
The College Board included a similar item in its course framework for the Advance Placement System for African American Studies for 2023-2024, the Daily Wire reported. Yet, there was little debate about the college standards.
And yet, the debate over the Sunshine State’s curriculum was a big issue. It had nothing to do with history, historians like Roberts noted, but everything to do with taking DeSantis out of contention for the 2024 GOP nomination.
“Rather, it’s all about politics and trying to knee-cap one of conservatism’s leaders. God bless @GovRonDeSantis for his courage amid this ridiculous fire.”
