Georgia Legislators Call for Action Against Defunding of AP African American Studies

ATLANTA - State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) today call for action against State Superintendent Richard Woods' decision to block an AP African American Studies course from state curriculum for the 2024 academic year.

Rep. Davis, who is an advocate for educational equity and justice, strongly condemns these developments. "This decision comes on the heels of the controversial House Bill 1084," said Rep. Davis. "In 2022, Georgia enacted HB 1084, which restricts the teaching of race-related topics in public schools by banning curricula or training programs that include certain 'divisive concepts.' Now, Superintendent Woods' decision to defund AP African American Studies for 2024 worsens the already existing inequities in Georgia's education system, particularly in underserved and under-resourced zip codes. Using race as a method of diverting attention from the inequities in funding education in Georgia is unacceptable. It's time to end tax enslavement in Georgia. Our blue counties must take a stand and sue this red state over a green issue-funding!"

Rep. Schofield echoes Rep. Davis' sentiments, emphasizing broader implications of defunding specific courses. "If you refuse to finance AP African American Studies, then Superintendent Woods and the Georgia Department of Education should not fund any AP history studies," said Rep. Schofield. "State legislators must demand the removal of defunding policies for all history courses in schools. All history is valuable, and if there is a cost to teach AP African American history, then invoices should be sent to all educational institutions for all AP history classes."

Additionally, Rep. Scott seeks to underscore the importance of inclusivity in historical education. "Black history is an integral part of history itself," said Rep. Scott. "Without acknowledging and including Black history, we present an incomplete and distorted view of our past. The contributions, struggles and achievements of Black individuals and communities have shaped our society in profound ways. To truly understand and appreciate our collective history, we must ensure that Black history is fully recognized and taught in our educational institutions."

Finally, Rep. Burnough seeks to highlight a trend of selective historical representation. "Georgia's current State School Superintendent refuses to approve the AP African American History Studies course," said Rep. Burnough. "It's disheartening that a former history teacher would deny Georgia students the chance to learn their own history. It's also astonishing how a minority can dictate which histories matter. Since only a select few students take AP courses, perhaps eliminating all AP history courses would prevent any perception of favoritism toward any ethnic group's history. To quote Governor Kemp, 'We should not be playing politics. It is crucial to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or zip code, have access to a comprehensive and inclusive education.'"

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.

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