The move by Arkansas to oppose African American studies reflects other actions the state government has taken in recent months and mirrors efforts by other Republican-led states. Earlier this year, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders implemented several conservative policies, including a statewide review of critical race theory “indoctrination,” on her first day in office. Sanders has used similarly charged language to defend her government’s decision against AP African American studies, telling Fox News that “we cannot perpetuate a lie to our students and push this propaganda leftist agenda teaching our kids to hate America and hate one another.” Sanders’ government rejecting AP African American studies follows a similar move made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration earlier this year.

Attempts to restrict Black history’s teaching and demonize the so-called critical race theory will likely remain primary Republican plans for some time. That strategy seems to be breeding defiance from educators who won’t simply give in to these tactics.

AP African American Studies

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