VP Harris meets with Black leaders in FL about DeSantis blocking African American studies course

Vice President Kamala Harris visited with Black leaders in Florida this week to discuss a path forward after an AP African American studies course was blocked from being taught in the state’s high schools by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Harris traveled to Tallahassee for an abortion rights event and spoke with some of Florida’s Black  political figures about the state’s decision to ban the course from high schools in the state, calling DeSantis and his GOP allies “extremist so-called leaders.” The decision to block the course came via a letter last week, citing no specific reasons for the decision, but saying the course is “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”

Governor DeSantis defended the decision on Monday, explaining, “When I heard it didn’t meet the standards, I figured, yeah, they may be doing CRT.” Referring to Critical Race Theory, the idea that racism is inherent in western culture, DeSantis banned the use of CRT in Florida in  2021 after a nationwide debate over the use of CRT in classrooms.

Vice President Harris discussed the decision with state House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D) and state Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D) in Florida this weekend. “Every student in our nation should be able to learn about the culture, contributions, and experiences of all Americans – including Black Americans – who shaped our history,” she said. “Unfortunately, in Florida, extremist so-called leaders ban books, block history classes, and prevent teachers from freely discussing who they are and who they love,” Harris added. “Anyone who bans teaching American history has no right to shape America’s future.”