(The Center Square) – Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods said an advanced placement African American studies course will be added to the state-funded course catalog effective immediately.
The Wednesday announcement reverses previous statements in which the state’s top school official said he would not approve an AP African American studies class and that the course might violate the state’s “divisive concepts” law, which lawmakers approved with House Bill 1084. Gov. Brian Kemp signed the measure into law in April 2022.
Last week, Woods said he asked Attorney General Chris Carr to clarify how AP, international baccalaureate and dual enrollment courses within the K-12 school systems “intersect” with the law.
“Late yesterday afternoon, the sponsor of this legislation shared with my office a response letter he received from the attorney general’s office,” Woods said in a statement, referencing a letter addressed to state Rep. Will Wade, R-Dawsonville.
“It has been determined that this law shall not restrict local school systems from adopting any AP, IB, or dual enrollment course,” Woods added. “Each such course will be exempted from the provisions of the divisive concepts legislation, so long as these courses are implemented ‘in a professionally and academically appropriate manner and without espousing personal political beliefs.’”
A spokesman for the state’s Education Department told The Center Square that in addition to the letter, education officials have communicated with the attorney general’s office for additional clarity on the course adoption process.
“Nothing in the divisive concept law allows for the banning of AP African-American Studies,” Gerald Griggs, president of the Georgia NAACP, said in a statement.
“It should never have been banned in the first place, especially in the birthplace of civil rights,” Griggs added. “Culture wars, and the politicians that wage them have no place in Georgia. I am glad that the people of Georgia stood up for AP African American studies.”
As part of his announcement, Woods said all AP courses in the state catalog will include a disclaimer.
“Advanced Placement (AP) courses and their instructional frameworks and curriculum are solely owned and endorsed by the College Board,” the disclaimer reads. “The contents of these courses have not been reviewed or approved by the Georgia Department of Education.
“As with any curriculum, school districts should use a process for reviewing, approving, and adopting AP courses and instructional frameworks that engages students, parents, educators, and community stakeholders. Curricula and training should abide by state and local policies, including House Bill 1084 – which requires that the curriculum of exempted AP courses be implemented in a professionally and academically appropriate manner and without espousing personal political beliefs.”
By T.A. DeFeo | The Center Square contributor
