Atlanta City Council speaks out against state’s decision to not offer AP African American Studies course, sparking outrage in the community.
The state superintendent argues the course violates the ‘divisive concepts’ law passed by the legislature
Credit: Jenni Girtman
The AP African American Studies class was piloted at 33 Georgia high schools in 2023-24, including at Atlanta’s Maynard Jackson High School, shown here. (Jenni Girtman for Georgia State University)
Atlanta City Council members on Monday condemned a recent decision by the state superintendent not to recommend Advanced Placement African American Studies as part of Georgia schools’ curriculum.
State Superintendent Richard Woods said last month that parts of the course violated House Bill 1084, which restricts teaching of “divisive concepts” and was passed by the legislature in 2022. The bill was part of a Republican-led effort to deter schools from teaching content that speaks to race and racism.
The resolution was introduced by Council member Byron Amos and passed under immediate consideration by council, 11-0.
It decries the state’s position on the advanced placement course and urges Woods to reconsider his choice. The legislation argues cutting the course hurts students working toward college credits and dishonors Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement.
“African American history is an integral part of American history, and this decision is particularly detrimental to Atlanta, given its profound social justice legacy and significant contributions to our nation’s civil rights progress,” the resolution says.
City Council President Doug Shipman stepped down from the podium during the meeting Monday to speak to the legislation.
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