AP African American Studies in Arkansas

Arkansas’s decision not to allow Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies (AAST) credit towards graduation is a complex issue with several potential reasons:

• Misconceptions about Critical Race Theory (CRT): There’s a national trend of conflating CRT, a complex legal framework, with the teaching of any aspect of race or racism in American history. Some critics of AAST might believe it promotes CRT, even though the College Board, which designs the AP curriculum, explicitly states it does not.
• Focus on “Unbiased” History: There might be a desire to present history in a seemingly “objective” way, which often overlooks the experiences of marginalized groups. AAST’s focus on Black history might be seen as challenging this traditional narrative.
• Political Agendas: Some politicians might oppose AAST for political gain, using it to rally a base that feels uncomfortable discussing race or systemic racism.

Here’s what we know:

• The Arkansas Department of Education rejected the AAST course credit in August 2023, citing concerns about its alignment with the state’s curriculum standards.
• The College Board, which designs the AP curriculum, disagrees with this assessment and maintains the course adheres to rigorous academic standards.
• The decision sparked criticism from educators, students, and civil rights organizations who see it as an attempt to whitewash history.

It’s important to note:

• There’s no evidence AAST promotes CRT in its curriculum.
• Understanding African American history is a vital part of comprehending American history as a whole.
• Denying students the opportunity to learn about this crucial aspect of their country can hinder their education.

The situation in Arkansas is ongoing. Whether they reconsider their decision or face legal challenges remains to be seen.