Woods reverses course on AP African American Studies

ATLANTA — State School Superintendent Richard Woods has rescinded his recommendation that an Advanced Placement African American Studies course not be added to the state’s curriculum offerings, citing a legal opinion from Attorney General Chris Carr.

Woods’ announcement effectively ended a furor of protests that arose from political leaders of both parties and educators two weeks ago when Woods announced his decision against adding the AP course, which was piloted by several school districts during the 2023-24 academic year.

Last week, Woods clarified his recommendation by asserting that a portion of the course curriculum in his judgement violated the controversial “divisive concepts” law the General Assembly passed in 2022. The Republican-backed bill, which passed along party lines, prohibits teaching U.S. history in a way that might make any student feel guilty or that they are superior or inferior to anyone else based on their race.

At the time, Woods indicated he was seeking a legal opinion from the attorney general’s office. State Rep. Will Wade, R-Dawsonville, the divisive concepts bill’s chief House sponsor, also sought Carr’s input on whether the law’s provisions apply to AP, international baccalaureate, and dual enrollment courses.

The attorney general responded with a letter to Wade explaining that the law exempts those types of courses.

The law “shall not be construed or applied to prohibit the full and rigorous implementation of curricula, or elements of a curriculum, that are required as part of advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or dual enrollment coursework; provided, however, that such implementation is done in a professionally and academically appropriate manner and without espousing personal political beliefs,” Carr wrote, quoting language from the bill.

Opponents of Woods’ original decision complained that doing away with AP African American studies would have meant failing to teach Georgia students the full history of the state and the nation, both good and bad.

In light of Wednesday’s announcement by Woods, any AP, IB, or dual enrollment course a local school district develops will be automatically adopted within the state-approved course catalog. It will not have to receive a recommendation from either the state school superintendent or the Georgia Board of Education.

Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder/File