Following Ron DeSantis’ bill banning the teaching of AP African American History in Florida, last year, AP Psychology is now recommended to be removed as well, in Florida and other states. The history class was banned due to it being closely related to Critical Race Theory and causing ‘white guilt’ to some of the students it was taught too,
The College Board, the nonprofit that looks over all Advanced Placement classes and SATs, released a statement on August 3rd concerning the legality and credibility of teaching the Gender and Sexuality unit of AP Psychology in Florida. According to the Board, this unit asks students to “describe how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development.”
In the statement, the Board also says that “teaching foundational content on sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal under state law.”
The law in question is the Parental Rights in Education Bill, coined “Don’t Say Gay” by critics which limits discussion and bans instruction of gender and sexual identity in classrooms. The Florida State BOE did say the course could be taught if the Gender and Sexuality unit was excluded.
That unit goes into detail about biological gender, gender roles, gender identity and sexual orientation. It explains that reproductive and sexual health relate to attitudes and behavior and the consequences of sexual activity. All arguably very necessary information for the general population, but especially those interested in the Psychology field.
Although technically the course can be taught, many schools won’t for fear of being prosecuted, or out of protest. Other advanced programs like International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education still offer the course with this unit left out. The College Board severely recommends against this, as the credit won’t be recognized by colleges on a transcript.
The Board says that any classes taught with this unit excluded will not be accepted nor considered on transcript and GPA records because it would “censor college standards.” The Board also advises not offering the class as a whole until the state gives parents and students the choice to take the full course once again.
Aside from excluding kids from opportunities, the lack of this class takes away access to important knowledge that will be used for life.
“Psychology helps us learn about our behaviors and our mental health as well so everybody should take psychology classes at some point,” Southeast AP Psychology teacher Todd Sigwing said.
The lack of availability of this class to high schoolers also has the potential to throw off financial plans and college and career readiness, including much needed skills such as analyzing and interpreting data, scientific investigation, and critical thinking.
“It’s to help the students be prepared for college,” Sigwing said. “So, there’s no reason to ban those classes. Even if you disagree with what’s being taught in the class you shouldn’t ban that class.”
