In the ongoing tussle between the Florida Education Department and the College Board, matters appear to have taken a somewhat convoluted turn regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ subjects in the state’s Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology curriculum. While there seems to be a resolution at the top level, certain school districts remain resolute in their decision to discard the course.
Initially, the College Board, responsible for overseeing AP courses and the SAT, alleged that the state had effectively banned the course due to its content on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, the state Education Department swiftly countered this claim, asserting that the course could be taught in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Despite this clarification, six school districts in Florida have indicated their intention to proceed with their plans to abandon the course. Flagler Schools, for instance, announced a swap from AP Psychology to an International Baccalaureate psychology class. Likewise, Hillsborough County Public Schools proposed an alternative college-level course, while Brevard Public Schools explicitly stated their non-offering of the course this academic year, citing a legal conundrum.
The root of this standoff lies in Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which empowers parents to sue school districts over perceived violations and restricts discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms.
The College Board, on the other hand, has emphasized that AP Psychology’s curriculum has integrated LGBTQ content for three decades. The course delves into how sex and gender influence development and socialization. Despite this clarification, certain districts remain concerned about potential legal repercussions and are opting for alternative courses.
More than 28,000 students engaged with AP Psychology in the previous academic year, underlining its popularity in Florida. This contentious situation highlights the intricate balance between educational content, societal values, and legal boundaries, leaving educators and students caught in the crossfire.
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