Washington D.C. – In response to the College Board’s plans to revise its Advanced Placement (AP) African American studies course, nearly three months after releasing it and facing heavy criticism for diluting content and concepts, People For the American Way President Svante Myrick released the following statement:
“We appreciate the College Board’s willingness to recognize its mistakes and are counting on the College Board to correct those mistakes by fully restoring the elements of its AP African American Studies course watered down because they were deemed too controversial. Political attempts to take away the freedom to learn create barriers that prevent our nation achieving its vision of justice for all. That’s why People For the American Way and our members across the country will continue speaking out against any politicians and organizations that undermine education and exploit fears. Every child deserves an inclusive and accurate education that supports all children regardless of their race and enables them to learn from the mistakes of our past to help create a better future. We need to preserve our freedom to teach and learn the whole truth about American history.”
BACKGROUND: In March, People For the American Way rallied its members, worked with its Young Elected Officials network, wrote op-eds, and delivered a petition to the leadership of the College Board, including CEO David Coleman and Senior Vice President Trevor Packer, calling on the organization to restore elements of its AP African American Studies course. The petition was delivered with 16,878 signatures from across the country.
Read more here: https://www.pfaw.org/take-action-tell-college-board-to-put-black-history-back-in-its-ap-course/?
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About People For the American Way
People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org