DeSantis takes aim at Florida social studies textbooks for critical race theory
Jeremiah Poff
The state of Florida is reportedly reviewing content in public school social studies curricula to ensure concepts prohibited by state law, including critical race theory, are not included in the classroom.
The deep dive into thousands of pages of social studies textbooks follows a separate review of school library books that saw school districts remove numerous books containing pornographic and sexually explicit content.
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Florida officials previously reviewed math books for “prohibited and divisive” concepts such as critical race theory last year, prompting the removal of 54 books from the state’s schools. Nine books were later reinstated.
Now, much like the math books last year, the state has initiated a review of social studies books to ensure that those same “prohibited” concepts are not included, the New York Times reported.
The Florida Citizens Alliance, a conservative group, has been engaged in the review of the social studies books and has reportedly urged the Florida Department of Education to reject 28 of 38 books the organization has reviewed. The group also contributed to the library book review.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who is widely expected to launch a campaign for president later this year, has repeatedly made national headlines for his efforts to combat “woke” education, such as critical race and gender theory.
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Earlier this year, DeSantis and the state’s department of education blocked the College Board from piloting an Advanced Placement African American Studies course in the state because the course outline included “black queer studies” and encouraged support for slavery reparations. The College Board was later accused of caving to DeSantis when its final version of the course omitted several of the details that the Florida government had objected to.
DeSantis has championed a series of new education related policy proposals for the state’s 2023 legislative session, including a bill banning diversity, equity, and inclusion departments at universities. Other bills under consideration by the legislature include a universal school choice program and a bill tightening restrictions on classroom instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation before high school.